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Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken is irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, coated in a rich, sweet and savory honey butter sauce. This easy Korean fried chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, party snacks, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent. Every bite is crunchy, flavorful, and completely addictive.

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I truly believe we all have a special place in our hearts for fried chicken — that kind of craving that sneaks up on you and suddenly becomes the only thing you can think about. It’s not just about being hungry, it’s about wanting something crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying all at once.

And then… there’s Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken. The kind of fried chicken that completely changes the game.

Imagine freshly fried chicken, golden and perfectly crisp on the outside, still hot and juicy on the inside. Now picture each piece being gently coated in a glossy honey butter sauce — sweet, rich, slightly savory, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. The sauce clings to every crunchy edge, softening it ever so slightly while keeping that addictive crisp, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.

It’s the kind of dish that pulls you in without warning. You tell yourself you’ll just have one piece… and then another… and before you realize it, you’re reaching for the last one on the plate.

There’s something almost magical about the combination of honey and butter. It’s simple, familiar, and comforting — yet when paired with crispy fried chicken, it transforms into something bold, exciting, and completely irresistible.

And honestly, it’s more than just food — it’s a whole mood. Think cozy evenings, your favorite Korean drama playing in the background, a plate of this crispy honey butter chicken in front of you, and maybe a cold glass of beer on the side. That first crunchy, buttery, slightly sticky bite? Pure comfort and joy.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Perfect for sharing — while it can absolutely be enjoyed as a main course, this dish truly shines as a snack to pass around. It’s the kind of food that brings people together, where everyone keeps reaching in for “just one more.”

Quick and easy to make — the recipe is simple, straightforward, and perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Simply irresistible flavor — sweet, buttery, crispy, and savory all at once… every bite feels indulgent and comforting in the best way.

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — whether it’s a casual dinner, a gathering with friends, or a cozy night in, this is one of those dishes that instantly puts a smile on everyone’s face.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THE HONEY BUTTER SAUCE

Unsalted Butter – This is quite commonly used in baking. If you prefer a bit more salty taste, you can also just use regular butter here.

Garlic – It provides a wonderful garlicky flavor

Honey – This is must-have for the Honey Sauce. Any kind of Honey should work.

Light Soy Sauce – This is one of the must-have Asian sauces that you need to have in your kitchen. Lee Kum Kee is my favorite brand for this.

Brown Sugar – I prefer this better to regular White Sugar. If you don’t have Brown Sugar, you can use White Sugar.

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

Chicken Thighs – I love the juicy chicken thighs for this recipe. You can also use chicken breast.

Salt – This will be used in the batter. It adds the savoury taste.

Black Pepper – I like the peppery taste here.

Cornstarch – We use this for the batter. Cornstarch is widely used in Asian cooking. It is also called corn flour.

Baking Powder – This helps the Chicken to be even crispier.

Egg – This should be in room temperature before use.

Sesame Seeds – use the roasted kind. I also love this for garnishing the dish.

Vegetable Oil – I love using this for frying. I normally use Rapeseed Oil. You can also try Sunflower Oil. Do not use Olive Oil.

Green Onions – or called Spring Onions. This is great for garnishing the dish at the end.

korean fried chicken with honey and butter flavor

HOW TO MAKE THIS KOREAN HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN?

1. Make the batter – In a large mixing bowl, add the Salt, Black Pepper, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, and Egg. Mix well with the Chicken. Set aside.

2. Heat up the Oil – In a wok, add in enough Vegetable Oil for the Chicken pieces to float, on medium-high heat. Add the Chicken pieces one at a time into the hot oil. Fry the Chicken in batches

3. First-fry the Chicken – First-fry for 3-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain. Repeat the process.

4. Second-fry the Chicken – For the second fry, return all the Chicken pieces to the wok and fry on medium-high heat for another minute until golden brown. Drain and set aside.

5. Make the Honey Butter Sauce – In a clean wok, on medium heat. Add the unsalted Butter. Once melted, add the Garlic and stir for 15 seconds until fragrant. Then add the Light Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, and Honey. Stir for 20 seconds. Then turn the heat to low.

6. Assemble the dish – Add all the fried Chicken pieces. Coat well evenly. Then add in some toasted Sesame Seeds. Mix well.

7. Ready to serve – Transfer to serving plate. Sprinkle more toasted Sesame Seeds on top and garnish with some chopped Green Onions. Ready to enjoy!

HAINI’S TIPS

– Watch the color closely while frying — aim for a light golden color during the first fry, then a deeper golden brown in the second fry for that perfect finish.
– Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan — giving each piece enough space helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures every piece turns out evenly crispy.
– Don’t skip the double-fry method — this is the secret to achieving that signature crispy, crunchy texture that stays light and irresistible, even after coating with sauce.

This Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again — not just because it’s delicious, but because of how it makes you feel. It’s comforting, a little indulgent, and always brings a sense of joy, whether you’re cooking just for yourself after a long day or sharing it with people you love around the table.

There’s something special about watching everyone reach for “just one more piece,” hearing that crispy crunch, and knowing you created that moment. It’s simple, but it stays with you.

I hope you truly enjoy the process of making this dish — from that first sizzle in the pan to the final sticky, golden coating. And when you take that first bite, warm and crispy with that sweet buttery glaze… I hope it brings you the same kind of happiness it brings me every time.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your all-time favorites — and one you’ll want to share again and again. Happy cooking!

FAQS

How do I make sure my fried chicken turns out extra crispy?

For that perfectly crispy texture, there are three key things to keep in mind. First, always fry the chicken in batches — overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy coating. Second, keep an eye on the color while frying; you’re looking for a light golden color in the first fry and a deeper golden brown in the second. Finally, don’t skip the double-fry method. Frying the chicken twice removes excess moisture and creates that signature crunchy exterior that Korean fried chicken is known for.

Why is double-frying important for Korean fried chicken?

Double-frying is what gives Korean fried chicken its iconic light yet ultra-crispy texture. The first fry cooks the chicken through and sets the coating, while the second fry — at a slightly higher temperature — crisps it up beautifully and locks out any remaining moisture. This extra step makes a big difference, giving you that addictive crunch that stays crispy even after coating the chicken in the honey butter sauce.

MORE FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES:

Sweet Chili Crispy Fried Chicken

Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken

Chinese Crispy Honey Chicken

Chinese Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy and Tangy Orange Chicken

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