If you are on the lookout for a dish that calls out comfort, crispiness, and a touch of sweetness all at once, then the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crunchy, golden-fried chicken and a luscious honey butter glaze that’s bursting with garlic and a hint of soy sauce umami. Whether you’re craving something cozy for dinner or want to impress friends with a simple yet indulgent dish, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up again and again. The magic lies in each ingredient coming together to create a beautiful harmony of texture and flavor that invites you for one more bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the perfect crispy coating to enhancing the sauce’s sweet and savory depths.
- Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders (800 g): These pieces offer juicy, tender meat that crisps up beautifully without drying out.
- Flour (2/3 cup): The essential base for a crispy coating that locks in moisture while giving that irresistible crunch.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the honey and richness of butter.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with a gentle garlic warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Honey (1/3 cup): Provides a natural sweetness that turns into a beautiful glaze when combined with butter.
- Butter, unsalted (100 g): Creates a silky, rich base for the sauce without overpowering the other elements.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic lends a punch of aromatic flavor to the honey butter sauce.
- Soy sauce, light (2 tablespoons): Brings umami and a hint of saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by choosing boneless chicken thighs or tenders for that perfect juicy bite. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating clings well. Dry chicken is the secret to achieving that coveted crispiness in the final dish.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple but flavorful seasoned flour is what transforms the chicken into a crispy delight. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed for consistent flavor across every piece.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
One by one, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks well. This step is not to be rushed—each piece should be evenly covered to give that fabulous crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken and fry until they develop a golden brown crust and the meat is cooked through, roughly 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; crispiness happens best with enough room to sizzle freely.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in the honey and light soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, creating that sticky, sweet coating.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is perfectly crispy, transfer it to the sauce pan and gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the luscious honey butter glaze. Cook together for an additional minute to marry the flavors and ensure everything is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the visual appeal and add a burst of freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken. These simple garnishes provide that extra crunch and subtle flavor contrast that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sticky sauce wonderfully. For a vegetable component, light and crisp sides like a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli work perfectly to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites in small lettuce cups topped with a drizzle of extra honey butter sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes for mild heat. Alternatively, plating alongside a colorful slaw adds vibrant texture and makes the dish instantly shareable at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooked chicken pieces separately on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. This prevents them from sticking together, and stored properly, they’ll last up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that unmistakable crispiness, warm the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick stint in an air fryer restores the texture beautifully, making leftovers taste just as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after frying. Breasts are leaner and may dry out slightly, so keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the coating. It still creates a nice crispy crust for the chicken.
How sticky is the honey butter sauce?
The sauce is moderately sticky and glossy, offering a perfect balance that coats the chicken without becoming too heavy or cloying. It enhances the texture without overwhelming the crispiness.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. While frying gives the best crunch, baking is a great healthier alternative.
What can I substitute for light soy sauce?
If you don’t have light soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce but reduce the amount slightly due to its stronger saltiness. Alternatively, tamari or coconut aminos work well and keep the flavor balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the harmony of crunchy, savory, and sweet flavors in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet delightful enough to serve when you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your go-to comfort food that everyone asks to have again and again. So why not gather your ingredients and get cooking today? You absolutely deserve a plate of pure deliciousness!
Print
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious homemade honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish balances crispy texture with a sweet and savory glaze that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
- 2/3 cup Flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Sauce
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 100 g Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
Additional
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by patting the boneless chicken thighs or tenders dry to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken evenly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side depending on size. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, honey, and light soy sauce. Stir and cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked crispy chicken to the honey butter sauce. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly and let them cook together briefly for about 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the crispy honey butter chicken hot as a main dish with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy chicken; it should sizzle when chicken is added.
- You can use chicken tenders for faster cooking or chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Adjust the amount of honey for a sweeter or lighter glaze according to your preference.
- Serve immediately to keep the chicken crispy; leftover sauce-coated chicken may lose some crispiness.
- Light soy sauce adds a mild umami flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.
