Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Easy Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a luscious sweet and savory honey butter glaze. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings the taste of Korean cuisine to your table. The unique flavor combination makes it popular with both kids and adults, turning it into an irresistible finger food that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double frying technique ensures each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy and golden brown.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey butter sauce delivers a delicious balance of sweetness and umami, making every bite memorable.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, it’s suitable for any occasion from parties to family dinners.
• Kid-Friendly: The appealing flavors and textures make it a hit with kids, ensuring they’ll ask for seconds.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Honey Butter Fried Chicken, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, ensuring crispy chicken without burning.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and mixing the honey butter sauce efficiently.
• Whisk: Great for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when making sauces.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling hot chicken while frying.

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

1. Cut the chicken into bite-size cubes and place them in a bowl.
2. Add one egg, soy sauce, and white pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat neutral oil in your deep frying pan to 350°F (180 °C).
2. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil.
3. Fry for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden; remove and let cool briefly.
4. Return the chicken to the hot oil and fry again for an additional 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

1. In a separate pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Lower the heat and add light soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, remaining butter, sesame oil, cornstarch slurry, and crushed chili if using.
4. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Add fried chicken pieces into the honey butter sauce.
2. Toss well until each piece is evenly coated in sauce.
3. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Honey Butter Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Casual Platter

• Serve the chicken on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a vibrant look. This presentation invites guests to dig in and enjoy!

Sliders

• Use small buns to create sliders filled with honey butter fried chicken. Add some pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch that complements the sweetness.

Salad Topper

• Chop the fried chicken into smaller pieces and toss it onto a mixed green salad. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for a savory twist on traditional salads.

Rice Bowl

• Layer rice at the bottom of a bowl and top it with honey butter fried chicken. Add steamed vegetables and drizzle extra sauce over everything for a filling meal.

Appetizer Skewers

• Skewer bite-sized pieces of honey butter fried chicken with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for easy-to-eat appetizers. These are perfect for parties or gatherings.

Wraps

• Wrap honey butter fried chicken in tortillas along with fresh veggies and sauces. These make for delicious handheld meals that are fun to eat anytime.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Fried Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Honey Butter Fried Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in soy sauce, egg, and white pepper beforehand enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates an extra crispy texture once fried, making each bite satisfying.
• Double Fry: Frying the chicken twice ensures it becomes perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining oil at 350°F (180 °C) is crucial for achieving golden brown chicken without excessive oil absorption.
• Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare the honey butter sauce in advance so you can quickly toss it with the freshly fried chicken right before serving.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like sesame seeds and spring onions; they add flavor and visual appeal to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Fried Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options you might consider serving alongside this tasty dish.

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing cabbage slaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the honey butter sauce.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a perfect accompaniment, allowing you to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots provide color and nutrition, complementing the richness of the fried chicken.
4. Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf adds an aromatic element to your meal, enhancing flavors through herbs and spices.
5. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser; their saltiness pairs well with sweet flavors of honey butter fried chicken.
6. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort food vibes that harmonize beautifully with crispy fried chicken.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn makes for a delightful side; serve it grilled or boiled to keep things simple yet tasty.
8. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that cuts through richness, making it an ideal pairing choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Honey Butter Fried Chicken.

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to less flavorful meat. Always let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes in the marinade.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and ensure crispiness.
• Not using enough oil: Using too little oil can cause uneven cooking and sticking. Make sure there’s enough oil in the pan to allow the chicken to float slightly while frying.
• Ignoring the double fry method: Skipping the second fry means missing out on that perfect crispy texture. Be sure to fry twice for optimal results.
• Neglecting to check the temperature: Cooking at too high or too low a temperature can ruin your chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain ideal frying conditions.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Butter Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it has cooled down before sealing it, as condensation can make it soggy.

Freezing Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking of freshness.

Reheating Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Note that this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Butter Fried Chicken?

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried chicken glazed with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, popular in Korean cuisine.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use boneless thighs or breasts based on your preference. Each will provide a different texture but will still be delicious.

How do I make Honey Butter Fried Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider baking instead of frying or using skinless chicken pieces. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce.

What should I serve with Honey Butter Fried Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or even as part of a larger appetizer spread at parties.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is not only scrumptious but also versatile enough for any occasion—be it a fun family dinner or an exciting party snack. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or sides for an even more personalized experience!