If you are craving a dish that bursts with sweet, savory, and satisfyingly crunchy flavors, the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into an irresistible plate of golden, crispy chicken smothered in a luscious honey butter glaze. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich butter, sweet honey, and a hint of garlic, making it an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of crispy texture and rich flavor in the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. From the flour that creates a crunchy coating to the honey that adds a gentle natural sweetness, this list keeps things straightforward yet flavorful.
- 800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders: Choose thighs for juiciness or tenders for a lighter bite, both work beautifully.
- 2/3 cup Flour: This forms the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: A key seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Provides depth with a mild garlicky touch in the coating.
- 1/3 cup Honey: The star of the sauce bringing natural sweetness and shine.
- 100 g Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the honey butter glaze.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Brings freshness and aromatic layers to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce: Balances sweetness with a hint of umami and saltiness.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by selecting boneless chicken thighs or tenders, trimming excess fat if needed, and patting them dry. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better, which is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
Combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This simple seasoned flour not only creates a crispy shell but also infuses the chicken with subtle layers of flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken thoroughly into the flour mixture, ensuring every inch is evenly coated. This step sets the stage for that iconic crispiness that defines the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 4-5 minutes per batch depending on thickness—don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the crunch.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a separate skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the honey, minced garlic, and light soy sauce, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes bubbly and aromatic. This luscious blend will coat each piece of fried chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Transfer the crispy chicken into the pan with your honey butter sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each bite gets coated with that sticky, flavorful glaze. Cook for another minute or two, then it’s ready to serve hot and fresh.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the honey butter glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this delightful Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe with light and fresh sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad. These choices balance the meal by providing cool, mild notes to counter the warmth and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving the chicken over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or alongside roasted seasonal veggies. For a fun twist, try turning it into slider sandwiches with a handful of coleslaw for texture and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating can help maintain the chicken’s crispiness longer.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious meal later, freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Warm the honey butter sauce separately on the stove, then combine and serve immediately for a fresh-out-of-the-kitchen taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but since they are leaner, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness. Chicken thighs are preferred for extra juiciness and flavor.
What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This ensures the chicken crisps nicely without imparting unwanted flavors.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the coating. Make sure to verify that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari as a great alternative.
How sweet is the honey butter sauce?
The sauce strikes a wonderful balance between sweet and savory. The soy sauce adds a touch of saltiness to counter the honey’s sweetness, creating a flavorful glaze that is not overpoweringly sweet.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can certainly bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s a lighter option that still works well with the honey butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is a little treasure you will want to revisit again and again. It’s comfort food at its finest—crisp, golden chicken smothered in a silky, sweet-savory sauce that feels like a warm hug. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic that this simple yet extraordinary recipe brings to your table.
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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 coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
Coating
- 2/3 cup Flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Sauce
- 100 g Unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
Cooking Oil
- Vegetable oil or any neutral oil for frying (quantity as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs or tenders dry to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly. This mixture will provide the flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating over all surfaces.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make Sauce: In a separate pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and light soy sauce, continuing to cook until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce pan, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly with the honey butter garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld together.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the crispy honey butter chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice or your choice of side.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Use skinless boneless thighs for the best balance of juiciness and flavor; chicken tenders can be used but might fry faster.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet according to your preference.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness rather than in the microwave.
- For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American