Looking for a dish that hits the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and irresistibly creamy? Honey Butter Chicken is the answer! This easy and delicious recipe features tender, crispy chicken coated in a rich honey butter sauce that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a meal that feels indulgent yet simple. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Butter Chicken is a game-changer for your dinner routine. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. The crispy coating paired with the sweet honey butter sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. You’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Honey Butter Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for frying. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs add more flavor.
All-purpose flour: This forms the crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the batter. Fresh garlic can be used, but it may alter the texture.
Onion powder: Enhances the flavor profile without the crunch of fresh onions.
Paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste preference.
Large eggs: These help the flour adhere to the chicken, creating that perfect crust.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it has a high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil works well too.
Unsalted butter: This is the base for the honey butter sauce, allowing you to control the saltiness.
Honey: The star of the show! It brings sweetness and a sticky glaze to the chicken.
Hot sauce (optional): A dash adds a kick to the honey butter sauce, balancing the sweetness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by taking your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and placing them in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, an hour is even better! This allows the buttermilk to work its magic, making the chicken juicy and flavorful. While the chicken soaks, you can prepare the coating and get ready for frying.
Create the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed. This blend is what gives your chicken that irresistible crispy texture. For an extra crunch, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist. Once mixed, set the bowl aside. You’ll be using this coating to give your chicken that golden, crispy exterior that everyone loves.
Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough for frying. Carefully take each marinated chicken thigh, letting the excess buttermilk drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated! Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the honey until well combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a tablespoon of hot sauce for a spicy kick! This honey butter sauce is the star of the dish, bringing that sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Keep stirring until everything is heated through and smooth. This sauce is what elevates your Honey Butter Chicken to a whole new level!
Combine and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce for an even coating. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve your Honey Butter Chicken hot, and watch as your family and friends dig in with delight. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!
Tips for Success
Double-dip the chicken for extra crunch: repeat the buttermilk and flour steps.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to maintain juiciness.
Experiment with spices in the flour for a unique flavor twist.
Keep the honey butter sauce warm until serving for the best drizzle.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A cast-iron skillet works wonders, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Mixing bowls: Use two bowls for marinating and coating the chicken.
Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and buttermilk.
Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly.
Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil after frying.
Variations
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a fiery kick.
Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix honey with Dijon mustard in the sauce for a tangy twist.
Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour for added flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly dish.
Oven-Baked Version: For a healthier take, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.
Serving Suggestions
Classic sides: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a comforting meal.
Fresh greens: A simple garden salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Drinks: Pair with iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra honey for a beautiful finish.
FAQs about Honey Butter Chicken
What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken? You can pair this dish with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. These options balance the sweetness of the chicken and create a well-rounded meal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times, as breasts may cook faster.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time. Just marinate the chicken in buttermilk and keep it in the fridge. Coat it right before frying for the best results.
Is Honey Butter Chicken gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Honey Butter Chicken is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories. The joy of biting into that crispy, golden chicken, drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce, is simply unmatched. This dish brings people together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. I love how it transforms an ordinary evening into something special. Plus, the smiles on my family’s faces as they savor each bite remind me why I love cooking. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe—you won’t regret it!
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful batter and drizzled with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until fully combined.
Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set aside on a plate.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and hot sauce (if using) until well combined and heated through.
Drizzle the honey butter mixture over the crispy chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce for an even coating.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and flour steps.
Try adding spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
