Extra Crispy Fried Chicken with Honey Butter Drizzle

This extra crispy fried chicken is everything you want in a plate of comfort food: shatteringly crisp coating, juicy, tender chicken, and an irresistible caramelized honey-butter glaze that takes it over the top.

Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Even better, this dish comes together with straightforward techniques that guarantee a satisfying crunch every time.

The secret? A tangy buttermilk brine, the perfect seasoned flour coating, and precise frying that locks in flavor without making it greasy.

The addition of a homemade spice dust and honey-butter glaze transforms this into a restaurant-quality dish your family will beg for. Let me walk you through how to fry chicken extra crispy and create a glazed masterpiece that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

My Story Behind This Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

I still remember the first time I had honey butter fried chicken during a trip to the American South. The crackling crunch of the crispy coating and the warm drizzle of honey butter felt like pure magic.

It was love at first bite. Inspired, I decided to create my own version that combines my love for bold flavors with the unbeatable crispness of classic buttermilk fried chicken.

I’ve tested countless methods to master how to fry chicken extra crispy, and this recipe reflects everything I’ve learned.

From finely milled 00 flour for the ultimate crunch to the rich, aromatic spice blend, every detail has been curated for maximum flavor. I pair this with buttermilk vanilla waffles and a homemade fried chicken glaze for a meal that’s equal parts indulgent and unforgettable.

Whether you’re serving this for a special brunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or a game-day spread, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to chicken recipes.

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

For the Buttermilk Brine:

• One 2 1/2– to 3 1/2 – pound (1.1 to 1.6kg) chicken
• 2 1/4 cups (540g) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (130g) Frank’s RedHot hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon (4g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (4g) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons (8g) kosher salt

For Frying:

• 5 cups (1.1kg) peanut or safflower oil
• 2 1/2 cups (375g) Italian 00 flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

For the Honey-Butter Drizzle:

• 1/3 cup (120g) clover honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) water
• 3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) butter

For the Spice Dust:

• 10 árbol chiles (about 6g)
• 12 Kashmiri red chiles (18g)
• 2 pieces (2g) star anise
• 1 black cardamom pod (2g), inner seeds only
• One 2-inch piece of cinnamon (4g)
• 1 teaspoon (2g) cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon (5g) Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons (6g) porcini mushroom powder

How to Make Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

1. Prepare the buttermilk brine: Break the chicken into 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and 4 breast pieces. Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours (overnight for best results).
2. Preheat the oil: Fill a 12-inch skillet with oil, ensuring it reaches halfway up the pan. Heat to 325°F (163°C), monitoring with a thermometer.
3. Coat the chicken: Combine Italian 00 flour with salt. Add a few tablespoons of the buttermilk brine to the flour and gently mix. Dredge each piece of chicken, pressing firmly to form a thick crust.
4. Fry in batches: Place chicken in the oil without overcrowding. Maintain an oil temperature between 250°F and 325°F. Fry legs and thighs for about 8 minutes per side, wings and breasts for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the honey-butter drizzle: Caramelize honey in a saucepan over medium heat until nutty brown. Stir in water and butter until smooth.
6. Prepare the spice dust: Toast chilies and spices in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind with porcini powder. Set aside.
7. Assemble and serve: Drizzle fried chicken with honey-butter sauce, sprinkle with spice dust, and serve immediately.

My Chef Tips for the Best Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

• Don’t skip the brine: The buttermilk brine infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy. An overnight soak is ideal, but even a quick 4-hour brine makes a difference.
• Use 00 flour: This finely milled flour creates a light yet sturdy crust that stays crunchy.
• Monitor oil temperature: Keeping the oil at the proper frying temperature prevents greasy chicken.
• Season immediately: Sprinkle salt on the chicken as soon as it comes out of the fryer to enhance flavor.
• Make ahead: You can fry the chicken a few hours in advance and reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Maximize crunch: Pack and press the flour coating onto the chicken for those signature crispy nooks and crannies.

Extra Crispy Fried Chicken FAQs

How do I make this honey butter fried chicken recipe less spicy?

Reduce or omit the árbol chiles and Kashmiri chiles in the spice dust. You can also use mild hot sauce in the brine for a milder kick.

What’s the best oil for frying extra crispy fried chicken?

Peanut oil or safflower oil are great choices because of their high smoke points, which ensure steady frying temperatures.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but adjust the frying time accordingly. Boneless pieces cook faster, so check for doneness after 5 minutes per side.

What makes the homemade fried chicken glaze so special?

The caramelized honey-butter glaze adds a complex sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy, savory flavors of the chicken.

Ready to Make This Extra Crispy Fried Chicken?

This extra crispy fried chicken recipe delivers unbeatable crunch, bold flavor, and that irresistible honey-butter glaze. Whether you’re hosting brunch or planning a cozy family dinner, this dish is all about bringing people together at the table.

What will you pair with this chicken—waffles, mashed potatoes, or something else entirely? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your results or tag me on social media!