Crispy Honey Butter Chicken: A 30-Minute Delight You’ll Love
Craving something quick, crispy, and delicious? This honey butter chicken is the answer! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender, golden chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress. The best part? It’s shallow-fried, so it’s lighter yet still incredibly flavorful. Ready to dig in?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Shallow Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 800g (about 1.75 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
- ⅔ cup flour (for coating the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil or vegetable oil)
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 100g (about 7 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
To begin, we need to coat the chicken to ensure it turns crispy when cooked. Take a large bowl or a shallow plate and mix together the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple mixture will give your chicken a flavorful, golden-brown coating when fried. Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, if using chicken thighs, or use chicken tenders as they are. Add the chicken to the flour mixture and toss it well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The more thorough you are with this step, the crispier your chicken will be!
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Once the chicken is coated, it’s time to fry it. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or your choice of oil). The oil should be hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken, but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it, as that can lead to soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden and crispy. If using a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s a good idea to prepare the honey butter sauce. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let the butter melt slowly, then add the honey, light soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes bubbly. The honey will give the sauce its sweetness, while the soy sauce adds depth and a bit of savory flavor. The garlic enhances the richness of the sauce, creating a wonderful balance of flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
Once the chicken is crispy and golden brown, it’s time to combine it with the sauce. Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the honey butter sauce, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Stir gently to ensure the chicken absorbs the sauce, and let it cook for an additional minute or so. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the crispy coating, turning the chicken into a sweet and savory masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your honey butter chicken! Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve for a special occasion.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure there’s enough space between each piece so that it crisps up evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam rather than fry, resulting in a less crispy coating. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Ensure the Oil is Hot Enough: If the oil isn’t hot enough when you add the chicken, the coating may become soggy instead of crispy. If it’s too hot, the chicken could burn on the outside before fully cooking through. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken or flour into it—if it sizzles right away, it’s ready for frying.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165°F (75°C) when done. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to make sure there’s no pink in the center.
- Customize the Sauce: The beauty of this honey butter sauce is its versatility. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you want a more savory version, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or swap the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.