If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory all at once, this honey butter chicken recipe is perfect for you. Combining crispy fried chicken with a rich, buttery honey glaze, this meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Deep frying plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect golden crunch on the chicken. Understanding the deep frying technique ensures that your chicken stays crispy and doesn’t become greasy. Additionally, the key ingredient, honey, brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and butter. This balance of flavors is what makes honey butter chicken an all-time favorite in many households.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can pair it with steamed rice, toss it with Asian noodles, or even serve it as an appetizer. Plus, with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can customize the flavors to match your preferences. Whether you like it spicy, extra crispy, or with a gluten-free twist, this recipe has got you covered! 🍯🍗

Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe and why it’s a must-try for your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey butter chicken recipe is more than just a quick meal—it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful dishes. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:

✔ Crispy & Flavorful

The combination of flour and cornstarch gives the chicken an extra crispy coating, making each bite satisfyingly crunchy. Cornstarch, a key ingredient, is known for its role in frying, helping to create that perfect texture without making the coating too thick or heavy.

✔ Sweet & Savory Perfection

The honey butter sauce is the real star of this dish. It blends the rich creaminess of butter with the natural sweetness of honey and the umami depth of soy sauce. The result? A glossy, sticky glaze that coats the crispy chicken perfectly.

✔ Quick & Easy to Make

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights. With just a few steps—coating, frying, and tossing in sauce—you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you love easy chicken recipes, check out these crispy fried chicken ideas for more inspiration!

✔ Versatile & Customizable

Whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, want to add spice for an extra kick, or need a gluten-free alternative, this recipe is flexible. You can even swap the protein and make honey butter shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist!

Ingredients Breakdown

To achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient in this honey butter chicken recipe. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients work so well together.

For the Chicken

Chicken Breast or Thighs – Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch – This combination creates an ultra-crispy coating. Cornstarch helps achieve a lighter, crunchier texture than flour alone.
Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle savory depth to the batter.
Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances flavor and balances the seasoning.
Eggs & Milk – Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the coating sticks to the chicken properly. The milk also helps tenderize the meat.
Vegetable Oil (for frying) – A neutral oil like vegetable oil or peanut oil works best for deep frying due to their high smoke points.

For the Honey Butter Sauce

Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce while helping the flavors meld together. Learn more about butter’s role in cooking and why unsalted butter is often preferred.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce. If you’re out of honey, alternatives like maple syrup or brown sugar can work too.
Soy Sauce – Balances the sweetness with a touch of umami richness. This soy sauce guide explains different types and their uses.
Garlic (Minced) – Infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic kick.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – If you enjoy a bit of heat, this ingredient adds a spicy contrast to the sweet honey butter glaze.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this dish irresistible. Now that you know why these ingredients are used, let’s move on to how to make honey butter chicken step by step! 🍯🍗

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Creating honey butter chicken at home is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich, buttery honey glaze.

Step 1: Prepping the Chicken

Cut the chicken – Slice chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the coating – In a shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a crispy outer layer.
Whisk the wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. This mixture helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken.
Coat the chicken – Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated for an even crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off in the oil.

Step 2: Frying the Chicken

Heat the oil – In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer ensures the right frying temperature.
Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken pieces in small batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Drain excess oil – Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to make this dish healthier, consider air frying or baking the chicken instead.

Step 3: Making the Honey Butter Sauce

Melt the butter – In a clean pan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
Add honey and soy sauce – Stir in honey and soy sauce, mixing well to combine. The honey will caramelize slightly, enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Add garlic and spice – Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Coating the Chicken in Sauce

Add the fried chicken – Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the crispy fried chicken to the pan.
Toss to coat – Gently mix the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated with the sticky, buttery glaze.
Serve immediately – Enjoy your honey butter chicken hot for the best texture and flavor.

Now that your honey butter chicken is ready, let’s go over some expert tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time! 🍯🍗

Tips for the Best Honey Butter Chicken

Making the perfect honey butter chicken is all about technique. Here are some expert tips to ensure your chicken stays crispy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, buttery glaze.

1. How to Keep the Chicken Extra Crispy

Use a flour and cornstarch combination – Cornstarch helps create a light, crunchy texture that holds up even after adding the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which can lead to soggy chicken.
Let the chicken rest before frying – After coating, let the chicken sit for about 5-10 minutes to help the breading adhere better.
Use a wire rack for draining – Instead of paper towels, place fried chicken on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to keep it crispy.

2. Choosing the Right Oil for Frying

The best oils for frying have a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.
Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they burn easily at high temperatures.

3. Adjusting the Sweetness & Spice

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly and add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for balance.
For a spicier kick, add Sriracha, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.

4. Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method – Coat the chicken as usual and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Baked Version – Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.

By following these tips, you’ll master the crispiest, most flavorful honey butter chicken every time. Now, let’s explore the best ways to serve this delicious dish! 🍯🍗

Serving Suggestions

Once your honey butter chicken is golden, crispy, and coated in that sweet-savory glaze, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this dish.

1. Serve with Rice 🍚

A classic pairing! The rich honey butter sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite flavorful.
Try steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter rice, or fried rice for added taste.
For a healthier option, use brown rice or cauliflower rice.

💡 Want more rice-based meal ideas? Check out these Asian chicken recipes for inspiration!

2. Pair with Noodles 🍜

Toss the crispy chicken with ramen, udon, or lo mein noodles for a heartier meal.
Drizzle some extra sauce over the noodles and mix in stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy.

3. Serve with Vegetables 🥦

Balance the richness of the chicken with steamed or stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.
A simple side salad with sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch.

4. Enjoy as an Appetizer 🍗

Serve it as a party snack with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Pair with extra dipping sauces like spicy mayo or garlic aioli.

No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Now, let’s talk about how to store and reheat your leftovers without losing that perfect crisp! 🍯🔥

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because honey butter chicken is so addictive!), proper storage and reheating will help maintain its crispiness and flavor.

1. How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freeze: Place the fried chicken (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

2. Best Ways to Reheat Honey Butter Chicken

To maintain the crispy texture, avoid microwaving the chicken directly. Instead, try these methods:

Oven Method (Best for Crispiness) 🔥

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Heat for 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Air Fryer Method (Quick & Effective) ✨

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer.
Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Stovetop Method (For Sauce-Coated Chicken) 🍯

Warm a pan over medium-low heat and add a little butter.
Add the leftover chicken and toss gently until heated through.

💡 For more meal prep and storage tips, check out these meal prep chicken recipes for inspiration!

Now that you know how to store and reheat this dish, let’s explore some variations and substitutions to customize your honey butter chicken! 🍗🔥

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about honey butter chicken is how easily it can be customized to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you want a healthier version, a spicier kick, or a vegetarian alternative, here are some ways to switch things up!

1. Baked or Air-Fried Honey Butter Chicken (Healthier Option)

If you want to enjoy this dish with less oil, try these alternative cooking methods:

Baked Version:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Version:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.

💡 Want more air-fried meal ideas? Check out these air fryer chicken recipes for inspiration!

2. Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free:

Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour.
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

3. Spicy Honey Butter Chicken

If you love heat, try these ways to make your sauce spicier:

Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
Increase red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Mix in a bit of hot honey instead of regular honey for a sweet-heat combination.

4. Different Proteins: Shrimp, Tofu, or Pork

Not in the mood for chicken? Swap it out with these options:

Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp and follow the same coating and frying process. Shrimp cooks faster—about 2-3 minutes per side.
Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu. Press it for 15 minutes, then cut into cubes and follow the same battering and cooking steps.
Pork: Use thin pork slices or boneless pork chops, cut into strips, and cook the same way as chicken.

With these variations, you can enjoy honey butter chicken in new and exciting ways. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to help you perfect this dish! 🍯🔥

FAQs

Got questions about making honey butter chicken? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers to help you perfect this dish.

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! To keep the chicken crispy, store the fried chicken separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken using the oven or air fryer, then toss it in freshly warmed honey butter sauce.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Honey?

If you’re out of honey, you can substitute:

Maple syrup – Adds a deeper, slightly caramel-like sweetness.
Brown sugar – Dissolve it in a little water to create a honey-like consistency.
Agave syrup – A great vegan alternative with a mild sweetness.

For more ideas on natural sweeteners, check out this honey guide on different types and substitutes.

3. How Do I Prevent the Chicken from Getting Soggy?

Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the batter stick better.
Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil.
Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving instead of letting it sit.

4. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before coating and frying. Cooking frozen chicken directly will result in uneven cooking and a soggy texture.

5. What’s the Best Oil for Frying?

The best oils for frying are those with a high smoke point, such as:

Vegetable oil
Canola oil
Peanut oil

Avoid butter or olive oil, as they burn quickly at high temperatures. To learn more about the best frying oils, check out this deep frying guide for tips!

Easy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Author: Christopher

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Honey Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and a sweet, buttery, and savory glaze. Made with bite-sized chicken pieces, a light yet crunchy coating, and a rich sauce featuring honey, butter, and soy sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether served over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, it’s a quick and flavorful meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer, this dish is easy to customize. You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier alternative, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. With simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish at home in no time! 🍯🔥

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the honey butter sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

In a clean pan, melt butter over low heat. Add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Notes

✅ Best Chicken Cut: Both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work, but thighs tend to be juicier.
✅ Frying Tip: Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for the crispiest results. Avoid overcrowding the pan!
✅ Sauce Consistency: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before tossing with chicken.
✅ Crispy Chicken Hack: To keep it crispy, drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying.
✅ Make It Spicier: Add Sriracha, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
✅ Storage: Store fried chicken and sauce separately for the best texture when reheating.

This recipe is all about simplicity, flavor, and versatility—enjoy it however you like! 🍗🔥