Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Easy Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that blends crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory honey butter glaze. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a family dinner, party finger food, or a savory snack. The standout feature of this dish is its irresistible combination of flavors and textures that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The double frying technique ensures each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Sweet & Savory Glaze: The honey butter sauce adds a mouthwatering balance of sweetness and richness that elevates the dish.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer or main course, it suits any occasion from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the cooking process easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for achieving the right temperature for frying, ensuring crispy chicken without excessive oil absorption.
• Mixing bowls: Help keep your ingredients organized while allowing easy mixing for marinades and coatings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 400 grams Chicken breast (Boneless chicken breast or thigh ( About 0.88lb ))
• ¼ tsp White pepper
• 1 tbsp Regular soy sauce
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 2-3 cloves Garlic
• 4 tbsp Honey
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Light soy or regular soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• 2½ tbsp Cornstarch slurry (Mix ½ tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp Crushed chilli (Optional)

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
• Spring onions
• Neutral oil for frying

How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-size cubes and place them in a bowl. Add one egg, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well until all pieces are coated evenly. Then, add cornstarch and ensure each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat neutral oil in your deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken pieces for 1–2 minutes until they start to turn golden. Remove them from the oil and let them cool for a few minutes before frying again for an additional 2–3 minutes until crispy golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In another pan, heat over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, then stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, remaining butter, sesame oil, cornstarch slurry, and crushed chili (if using). Stir until thick and glossy.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Add the freshly fried chicken into the sauce mixture. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly with the sauce by tossing gently. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Fried Chicken can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delightful dish.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Crisp Garden Salad: A mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed with a light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the sweetness of the chicken.

Create a Delicious Platter

• Chicken and Waffles: Serve the fried chicken on top of fluffy waffles drizzled with honey for a sweet-savory treat.
• Vegetable Sticks and Dips: Offer carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks alongside ranch or hummus for a healthy snack option.

Serve with Comforting Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a favorite and complement the crispy chicken beautifully.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet touch that balances out the flavor of the dish.

Make it a Sandwich

• Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich: Layer the fried chicken between toasted buns with lettuce and mayonnaise for a tasty handheld option.
• Wrap It Up: Use tortillas to wrap the chicken along with fresh veggies and sauce for an easy meal on-the-go.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Perfecting your Honey Butter Fried Chicken can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit!

• Bold Marinade: Let your chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption from soy sauce and spices.
• Double Frying Technique: Frying twice gives your chicken extra crispiness; be sure to let it rest in between frying sessions.
• Right Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F (180°C) for optimal frying; too hot or cold can affect texture.
• Fresh Garlic Flavor: Sauté garlic until fragrant but not burnt; this enhances the overall taste of your honey butter sauce.
• Consistent Coating: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated in cornstarch before frying for uniform crispiness.
• Garnish Smartly: Use fresh spring onions and sesame seeds as garnish; they add color and enhance flavor without overpowering.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Fried Chicken

When serving Honey Butter Fried Chicken, pairing it with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread brings an aromatic touch that matches perfectly with the savory notes of the chicken.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries contrasts beautifully with the honey butter glaze.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort food vibes that many love alongside fried chicken.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli provides a healthy green balance to your meal.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as an excellent base for soaking up any extra sauce.
6. Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickles can cut through the richness of the fried chicken, enhancing every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Honey Butter Fried Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce and spices can lead to bland flavor. Always let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Using the wrong oil temperature: Frying at too low of a temperature can cause greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is around 350°F (180°C).
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for the best results.
• Neglecting to double fry: Skipping the second frying step will leave your chicken less crispy. Always double fry for that perfect crunch!
• Not thickening the sauce properly: If you skip the cornstarch slurry, your sauce may be too runny. Stir well until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Honey Butter Fried Chicken can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note this may make it less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Honey Butter Fried Chicken so special?

Honey Butter Fried Chicken stands out due to its crispy texture combined with a sweet and savory glaze that elevates ordinary fried chicken.

Can I use different types of meat for Honey Butter Fried Chicken?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can also use turkey or lamb for delicious alternatives that still capture the essence of this dish.

How do I customize my Honey Butter Fried Chicken?

Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance flavor, or adjust the honey and sugar levels based on your sweetness preference.

Is Honey Butter Fried Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be enjoyed as part of a meal prep plan throughout the week.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is not just a delightful dish; it’s versatile and perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to parties! With options to customize flavors and ingredients, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Your friends and family will love every crispy bite!