Honey Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk – Best Recipe

This Honey Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk is amazing!

When it comes to choosing the perfect combination of flavors, honey knows no bounds.

And what better dish to mix it with than the classic fried chicken?

While buttermilk may be a staple for most fried chicken recipes, it’s not the only way to achieve moist and succulent chicken. And that’s where this recipe comes in!

Here’s a sweet and savory honey fried chicken recipe designed exclusively for those who prefer to skip the buttermilk.

Honey Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk

This honey fried chicken is the perfect harmony between crispy-skinned exterior and tender, juicy meat.

With a battered coating made from a mixture of flour and cornstarch, this dish boasts a light and airy texture unlike any other.

But what makes it truly special is the magical ingredient—the honey. It adds a rich, sweet flavor component, which enhances the chicken’s natural taste.

Served with a side of honey butter, it’s a combination that will leave your taste buds singing.

This recipe is perfect for those allergic to or avoiding dairy products. It’s also an excellent alternative for those who don’t have buttermilk on hand, yet still want to enjoy fantastic fried chicken!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ cubes for easy frying.
• Batter. Create a light, crispy batter from a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and ice-cold water.
• Oil. You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying.
• Parsley. While optional, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish for the finished dish.

For the honey butter:

• Butter. Start with a good quality, unsalted butter.
• Sugar. White sugar provides a subtle sweetness to the honey butter.
• Soy Sauce. It provides a touch of savory flavor to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey. Of course, you can’t have honey fried chicken without honey! It’s the star of the show in the honey butter.

How to Make Honey Fried Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.

Step 2: Gradually add the ice-cold water to the flour mixture, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F.

Step 4: Dredge each piece of chicken in the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 5: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Remove from oil and let the chicken pieces drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 7: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the sugar, soy sauce, and honey, until fully combined and slightly thickened.

Step 8: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, serve with a drizzle of the honey butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Note: For the complete list of ingredients and the specific quantities, refer to the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Results

Here are some tips to get the perfect honey fried chicken:

• Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and all the pieces will be done at the same time.
• Ensure the batter is smooth. Lumps in the batter may result in uneven coating, so take the time to whisk it until it’s completely smooth.
• Maintain the oil temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Too low, and the chicken will be greasy. Too high, and the coating may burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
• Drain the excess oil. Once you remove the chicken from the fryer, let it drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil, ensuring a crispier finish.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can switch up the recipe:

• Use a different meat. If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use boneless chicken breasts or even bone-in pieces for a longer cooking time.
• Vary the coating. Instead of only using flour and cornstarch, you can add in some spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, for an extra kick of flavor.
• Make it spicier. If you like your fried chicken with a bit of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper to the batter. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
• Serve with a different sauce. Not a fan of honey butter? You can serve your chicken with a different dipping sauce, such as barbecue or a spicy mayo.

What to Serve With Honey Fried Chicken

Honey fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a range of sides. Here are a few delicious options:

• Mashed Potatoes. The savory and sweet chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Cornbread. The combination of honey chicken and cornbread is a match made in heaven.
• Coleslaw. A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.
• Biscuits. Flaky buttermilk biscuits are always a hit as a side to fried chicken.
• Seasoned Fries. For a more casual meal, serve your chicken with some crispy seasoned fries.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, keep in mind that the chicken may not remain as crispy upon reheating.

To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F and let it warm through for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of the crispiness. Be sure to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t dry out.