Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
If you are craving a perfect blend of sweet and savory with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is just the dish for you. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a golden, crispy crust and then glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce infused with garlic and a touch of soy sauce. It’s a deliciously comforting meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it not only deeply flavorful but also wonderfully quick to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is a breeze because each item plays a crucial role in delivering impeccable flavor and texture. From the tender chicken thighs to the aromatic garlic and the sweet honey glaze, every ingredient adds something special.
- Boneless chicken thighs or tenders (800 g): These provide juicy, tender meat that crisps beautifully.
- Flour (2/3 cup): The essential base for the coating to achieve that irresistible crunch.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle garlicky aroma that complements the sauce.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The star sweetener that lends a golden, sticky glaze.
- Unsalted butter (100 g): Rich and creamy, it creates the luscious sauce base.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses fresh, intense flavor directly into the butter sauce.
- Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances sweetness with umami and a hint of salty tang.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs or tenders, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry chicken pieces help the flour coating stick better, which is key to achieving that signature crispy exterior.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken thoroughly in this seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is well coated. This simple step builds the crunchy crust and layers the flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. The sizzling sound and aroma at this stage are pure magic.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then stir in the honey and light soy sauce, cooking the mixture gently until it becomes bubbly and glossy. This sauce is that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Transfer the crispy fried chicken to the saucepan with the honey butter sauce. Toss everything together carefully so each piece is beautifully coated with the sticky, flavorful glaze. Cook for just another minute to let the sauce cling firmly to the chicken.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions over the top. They add a wonderful crunch and a pop of color that makes the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs exceptionally well with simple steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully. For a fresh contrast, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or some sautéed greens to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside crispy roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy twist. For a fun family meal, you could also serve the chicken pieces on skewers, drizzling the honey butter sauce on top just before serving for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Crispy Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken separate from any side dishes helps maintain its crispiness when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces by spreading them out on a baking sheet first to avoid clumping, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. If needed, briefly warm the honey butter sauce separately and toss the chicken pieces in it after reheating for that fresh, glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more quickly. Consider pounding them to an even thickness and watch the cooking time carefully to keep them juicy.
What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the medium-high heat needed to get that perfect crispy crust without burning.
Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently on the stove before tossing with freshly fried chicken to keep that rich, glossy texture.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour coating?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend or even cornstarch for a lighter, equally crispy coating. Just be sure to check the seasoning levels as some blends may differ in taste.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by nature, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. However, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to the flour mix or sauce to give it a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe a try because it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and excitement to your plate all at once. With its golden crunch and sweet garlicky sauce, it’s sure to become a new go-to meal for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. Enjoy every delicious bite and don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with your favorite sides and garnishes!
Print
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs or tenders coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet-savory glaze makes for an irresistible dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends.
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
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs or tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- Mix Flour and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side until they are crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter then add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey and light soy sauce, and cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the honey butter sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cook together briefly to let the flavors meld and the chicken absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping it once more in the flour mixture before frying.
- Use fresh garlic to maximize the flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust honey quantity for sweeter or more savory taste as preferred.
- Drain chicken on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep crispiness.
- Serve with steamed rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American fusion
