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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken served with a golden glaze and garnished with herbs.

Honey Butter Crispy Chicken

A delicious and comforting chicken dish featuring crispy, juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey butter sauce that clings to every bite.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs (or breasts/tenders) Thighs are preferred for juiciness.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Helps tenderize chicken and provides a sticky coating.
  • 1 cup all purpose flour For coating the chicken.
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Adds extra crunch to the coating.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
  • 1 large egg Optional for a thicker crust.
  • 2 cups neutral oil for frying Canola or peanut oil recommended.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter Real butter, not margarine, for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup honey The sweet component of the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce For balance in flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice Helps brighten the sauce flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and garlic powder for 1 to 4 hours, or at least 20 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, and press each piece into the flour mixture firmly.
  4. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and then into the flour mix again.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil to 350°F. If no thermometer, drop a pinch of flour into oil; it should sizzle.
  2. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (10-14 minutes for thighs, 5-7 minutes for tenders).
  3. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to cool and remain crispy.
Saucing
  1. Melt butter in a small pan, stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let bubble for 30 seconds and remove from heat.
  2. Toss chicken lightly in the sauce or drizzle it over the chicken when serving for maximum crunch.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature for optimal frying. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam from softening the crust. Drizzle sauce just before serving to keep the coating crispy.