Pin Recipe The first time I made hot honey butter chicken was purely on a whim after seeing it trend online. I had all the ingredients in my pantry and figured why not give it a shot. That night ended with sticky fingers and my husband asking when we could have it again.
Last summer I made this for a small gathering of friends and they practically hovered over the platter. Someone actually asked if there was more hiding in the kitchen because they did not want it to be the last piece.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Boneless thighs stay juicier than breasts through the frying process
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the meat and helps the flour coating stick better
- Cornstarch: The secret to that extra crunchy shatter when you bite in
- Hot honey butter sauce: Honey balances the heat while butter adds richness
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together then submerge the chicken thighs. Let them soak up flavor for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours if you have the time.
- Prepare the coating:
- Whisk flour with cornstarch and all those spices until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture creates that golden crust everyone loves.
- Dredge each piece:
- Lift chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Press firmly into the flour mixture so every inch is coated then shake off the loose powder.
- Heat the oil:
- Pour about an inch of oil into your Dutch oven or heavy skillet. Bring it to 350 degrees and maintain that temperature for even cooking.
- Fry until golden:
- Cook the chicken in batches so you do not crowd the pan. Let each side go for 5 to 7 minutes until that crust is deep golden and the meat reaches 165 degrees inside.
- Make the magic sauce:
- Melt butter in a small pan then whisk in honey hot sauce cayenne and a pinch of salt. Keep it warm until the chicken is ready.
- Bring it all together:
- Arrange the fried chicken on your serving platter and drizzle that hot honey butter over everything. Serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and the chicken is at its crispest.
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe This dish has become our go to for Friday nights when we want something indulgent but still homemade. There is something satisfying about making restaurant quality food in your own kitchen.
Making It Extra Crunchy
The double coating technique takes a little extra time but creates such a superior crunch. After the first dredge dip the chicken back in buttermilk then coat again in the flour mixture.
Handling The Heat Level
Cayenne is potent stuff so start with half a teaspoon and taste the sauce before adding more. The heat mellows slightly once it coats the chicken so account for that.
Serving Suggestions
Soft buttered rolls balance the spice perfectly and act as a vehicle for any extra sauce on your plate. A crisp cool coleslaw or simple pickled cucumbers cut through the richness.
- Keep extra warm sauce on the table for dipping
- Line your serving platter with parchment for easier cleanup
- The sauce thickens as it cools so rewarm gently if needed
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe Grab some napkins and gather your people around the table. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a mini celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is the honey butter sauce?
The heat level is customizable with cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your preference—add more for extra kick or reduce for a milder, sweeter profile.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture won't be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
- → What cuts of chicken work best?
Thighs are ideal for frying due to their juiciness and forgiving nature. Breasts, drumsticks, or wings also work well—just adjust cooking time to ensure the meat reaches 165°F internally.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Twenty minutes minimum, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat while the hot sauce infuses subtle heat throughout.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely—prepare the honey butter sauce and store it refrigerated. Gently reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to serve, whisking to recombine any separated ingredients.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Soft bread rolls help absorb the sauce, while tangy pickles and crisp coleslaw provide cooling contrast. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables also complement the sweet-heat flavors beautifully.