Honey Butter Chicken – The Perfect Sweet & Savory Crispy Chicken

If you love that perfect balance between sweet and salty, crispy and tender, comforting and indulgent… this Honey Butter Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner.

There’s something magical about golden fried chicken coated in a glossy honey butter sauce. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and yet it feels special enough to serve when you want to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day — this recipe delivers big flavor with surprisingly easy steps.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step preparation, helpful tips, serving ideas, storage, and even a few variations so you can make it your own.

Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Chicken

• Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Crispy outside, juicy inside
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Simple ingredients you probably already have
• Great for weeknight dinners or gatherings

This dish is especially popular because it feels like comfort food, but it’s not heavy in an overwhelming way. The honey butter glaze lightly coats the chicken instead of drowning it, so every bite has that satisfying crunch followed by rich, sweet warmth.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer more juiciness)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ½ cup honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)

• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Sesame seeds

• Extra drizzle of honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures maximum crispiness.

If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station

In one bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

In another bowl, whisk:

• Eggs
• Milk

You now have a simple dredging station: dry mixture and wet mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take one piece of chicken and:

1. Dip it into the flour mixture
2. Coat it well, shaking off excess
3. Dip into the egg mixture
4. Return to the flour mixture for a second coat

This double coating creates that crispy, restaurant-style crust.

Place coated chicken pieces on a plate and let them rest for about 5–10 minutes. This helps the coating stick during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. The oil should reach about 170–180°C (340–350°F).

Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Fry each piece for about:

• 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness)

The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).

Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat:

1. Melt the butter
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn)
3. Stir in honey
4. Add soy sauce
5. Add red pepper flakes if using
6. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes

The sauce should become slightly thicker but still pourable.

Turn off the heat.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

You have two options here:

Option 1 – Tossed Style
Option 2 – Drizzle Style
Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white rice

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Buttered corn

• Roasted vegetables

• Dinner rolls

Place fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss gently until evenly coated.

Arrange chicken on a serving plate and drizzle the sauce on top. This keeps the coating extra crispy.

Both methods taste amazing — it just depends on how saucy you like it.

Honey Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides.

Here are some favorites:

For a more balanced meal, serve it with a fresh green salad to contrast the sweetness of the sauce.

Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Chicken

1. Don’t Skip Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the secret to extra crunch. It makes a noticeable difference.

2. Keep Oil Temperature Stable

If the oil is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks.
If it’s too cold, the chicken absorbs too much oil.

Medium steady heat is key.

3. Use Thighs for More Flavor

Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

4. Add Heat if You Like Spice

You can increase red pepper flakes or even add a little hot sauce to the honey butter.

Variations You Can Try

1. Baked Version (Healthier Option)

Instead of frying:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
• Place coated chicken on a wire rack
• Spray lightly with cooking oil
• Bake for 20–25 minutes

It won’t be as crispy as fried, but it’s still delicious.

2. Air Fryer Version

• Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F)
• Spray chicken lightly with oil
• Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway

This method keeps it crispy with less oil.

3. Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich

Place the chicken inside:

• Brioche bun
• Add lettuce
• Add pickles
• Add extra sauce

It makes an incredible homemade sandwich.

4. Korean-Inspired Twist

Add:

• 1 tablespoon gochujang
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

to the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating

Storing:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container
• Refrigerate up to 3 days

Reheating:

For best results, reheat in:

• Oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes
• Air fryer for 5–7 minutes

Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. Make sure internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before using.

Is this recipe very sweet?

It’s balanced. The soy sauce and garlic prevent it from becoming overly sugary.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Chicken is one of those recipes that feels comforting yet exciting at the same time. The crispy coating, the rich buttery glaze, and that touch of honey sweetness create a combination that’s hard to resist.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. Once you make it the first time, you’ll understand why it’s become such a popular favorite.

If you try this recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit.

Enjoy every bite 🍯🍗