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Why This Korean Honey Butter Chicken Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Korean Honey Butter Chicken

How to Make Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Serving and Storage Tips for Korean Honey Butter Chicken

Mistakes to Avoid while making Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Suggestions for Korean Honey Butter Chicken Variations

Conclusion

Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Name: Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp ginger powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp white pepper; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for first dredge); 1 large egg; 1 cup sparkling water; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; Vegetable oil for frying

Get ready to experience the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and crispy with this irresistible Korean honey butter chicken tenders recipe. This delightful dish combines the crispy texture of double-fried chicken with the luxurious sweetness of honey butter sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s become a sensation in Korean cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something special for your family meal, these Korean honey butter chicken tenders will surely impress everyone at your table. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy coating, and the rich, glossy honey butter sauce creates a dish that’s impossible to resist.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors – The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and savory soy sauce creates an unforgettable taste that hits all the right notes on your palate.
Double-frying technique – This authentic Korean cooking method ensures your chicken tenders achieve that coveted ultra-crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside.
Quick and approachable – Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this Korean honey butter chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Crowd-pleaser – These tenders appeal to both adults and children alike, with the perfect balance of familiar comfort food elements and exciting new flavors that everyone will love.
Versatile serving options – These chicken tenders work beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides from rice to fresh vegetables.

Why This Korean Honey Butter Chicken Recipe Works

Korean honey butter chicken has become a global sensation for good reason. This recipe takes the best elements of Korean fried chicken – that impossibly crispy exterior and juicy interior – and elevates it with a sweet, buttery glaze that transforms simple chicken tenders into something extraordinary.

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in several key techniques. First, the chicken is marinated with a carefully balanced blend of spices that infuses the meat with flavor from the inside out. Next, the double-coating and double-frying method creates that signature crispy texture that Korean fried chicken is famous for. The sparkling water in the batter creates tiny air bubbles that expand when they hit the hot oil, resulting in an extra light and crispy coating.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is the honey butter sauce. The combination of melted butter, honey, sugar, and soy sauce creates a glossy, sticky glaze that coats each tender perfectly. The butter adds richness, the honey and sugar provide sweetness, and the soy sauce brings a savory umami element that balances everything beautifully.

Unlike many other fried chicken recipes, Korean honey butter chicken maintains its crispiness even after being coated in sauce. This is because the double-frying technique creates such a sturdy crust that it can stand up to the glaze without becoming soggy. The result is a perfect textural contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender chicken inside, all enveloped in that irresistible honey butter flavor.

What You’ll Need for Korean Honey Butter Chicken

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need to gather specific ingredients and tools that will help you achieve that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and savory that makes Korean honey butter chicken so special.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders – These provide the perfect size and tenderness for this dish
1 tsp kosher salt – For seasoning the chicken
1/2 tsp white pepper – Adds subtle heat without changing the color
1/2 tsp black pepper – Provides additional depth of flavor
1/2 tsp garlic powder – For aromatic flavor
1/2 tsp onion powder – Adds savory notes
1/2 tsp ginger powder – Brings a touch of warmth and authentic Korean flavor
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – For a gentle kick of heat

For the Coating:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for your seasoned flour mixture
1 tbsp kosher salt – Ensures your coating is well-seasoned
1 tbsp white pepper – Provides heat without dark specks
1 tsp black pepper – Adds visual appeal and flavor
1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the aromatic profile
1 tsp onion powder – Adds depth to the coating
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – For the initial dusting
1 large egg – Helps the batter adhere to the chicken
1 cup sparkling water – Creates an airy, crispy coating

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter – The rich base of your sauce
2 tbsp honey – Provides natural sweetness
2 tbsp sugar – Adds additional sweetness and helps create a glossy finish
2 tbsp soy sauce – Brings savory depth and umami flavor

You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying – enough to fill your pot about 2-3 inches deep.

Tools

To prepare this Korean honey butter chicken recipe efficiently, you’ll need these kitchen tools:

Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – For safe and even frying
Cooking thermometer – To maintain the perfect oil temperature
Three medium-sized bowls – For your dredging station
Whisk – For mixing the batter
Tongs – For safely handling the chicken during frying
Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate – For draining excess oil
Small saucepan – For preparing the honey butter sauce
Pastry brush or spoon – For coating the chicken with sauce
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions

Having all these tools ready before you begin will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. The right equipment ensures you can achieve that perfect crispy texture and glossy coating that makes Korean honey butter chicken so special.

How to Make Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Follow these detailed steps to create the most delicious Korean honey butter chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze.

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine your chicken tenders with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ginger powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat each tender with the spice mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Prepare Your Dredging Station: Set up three separate bowls for your coating process. In the first bowl, add 1/2 cup of plain all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, create your wet batter by whisking together 1/2 cup flour, 1 egg, and 1 cup of ice-cold sparkling water until smooth. In the third bowl, prepare your seasoned flour by mixing 2 cups flour with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp white pepper, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder.
Create Texture in Your Coating: Add 1 tbsp of sparkling water to your seasoned flour (third bowl) and use your fingertips to rub the mixture together. This creates small clumps that will give your chicken extra crunch when fried.
Coat the Chicken: Working with one tender at a time, first dredge in the plain flour and shake off any excess. Next, dip into the wet batter, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated tenders on a tray and let them rest for 5 minutes while you heat your oil.
Heat Your Frying Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature.
First Fry: Carefully lower 3-4 chicken tenders into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-5 minutes until the coating is lightly golden. Remove the tenders and place them on a wire rack to drain. Maintain the oil temperature between each batch.
Second Fry: Once all tenders have gone through the first fry, return them to the 350°F oil for a second fry, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown and extra crispy. This double-fry technique is key to achieving authentic Korean fried chicken texture. After removing from the oil, season immediately with a light sprinkle of salt.
Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce begins to bubble. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
Coat the Chicken: You have two options for coating your chicken. Either brush the sauce onto each tender individually for more control, or gently toss the tenders in the sauce for a more thorough coating. If tossing, do so gently to preserve the crispy exterior.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your Korean honey butter chicken tenders to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve while still hot and crispy for the best experience.

The result is an irresistible plate of Korean honey butter chicken tenders that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crispy elements. The golden-brown exterior maintains its crunch even with the glaze, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Temperature control is crucial – Use a reliable cooking thermometer to maintain your oil at exactly 350°F. If the temperature drops too low, your chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy; if it’s too high, the exterior will burn before the inside cooks through.
Don’t skip the double-fry – This signature Korean technique is what gives the chicken its exceptional crispiness that stands up to the sauce. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry creates that extra-crispy exterior.
Use ice-cold sparkling water – The colder your sparkling water, the more bubbles it retains, which creates a lighter, crispier batter. Some chefs even keep their sparkling water in the freezer for 15 minutes (without freezing it) before mixing the batter.
Let the coated chicken rest – Allowing the coated tenders to rest for 5 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during frying.
Work quickly with the sauce – The honey butter sauce can thicken rapidly as it cools. If it becomes too thick to coat the chicken properly, gently reheat it for a few seconds while stirring to restore its consistency.

Serving and Storage Tips for Korean Honey Butter Chicken

Korean honey butter chicken tenders are at their absolute best when served fresh and hot, right after being coated with that luscious honey butter sauce. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior is most pronounced when enjoyed immediately. However, with proper serving and storage techniques, you can still enjoy these delicious tenders even if you can’t finish them all in one sitting.

Serving Tips

To create the ultimate Korean honey butter chicken experience, consider these serving suggestions:

Traditional Korean Style: Serve your honey butter chicken tenders alongside pickled radish (danmuji) and a cold beer or soju, just as they would in a Korean chicken restaurant. The tangy pickled radish provides a perfect contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
Complete Meal: Turn your chicken tenders into a full meal by serving them with steamed white rice and kimchi. The rice helps balance the richness of the chicken, while kimchi adds a spicy, fermented element that complements the sweet honey butter sauce beautifully. Check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for more chicken-based meal inspiration.
Party Platter: For gatherings, arrange your Korean honey butter chicken tenders on a large platter with small bowls of additional sauce on the side for dipping. Add fresh vegetables like cucumber sticks and bell pepper slices to provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Fusion Wrap: Create a Korean-inspired wrap by placing the chicken tenders in a warm tortilla with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Garnish Options: Elevate the presentation of your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a light dusting of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for added color and flavor.

For storage, if you have leftover Korean honey butter chicken tenders, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving as this will make the coating soggy.

If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. The seasoned flour mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, the wet batter should be made just before cooking for the best results.

For the sauce, you can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stove until it reaches the proper consistency before coating your freshly fried chicken tenders.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Creating perfect Korean honey butter chicken tenders requires attention to detail. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time:

Skipping the Marination: Some cooks rush and skip the marination step. This is a mistake as the spice mixture not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it. Always allow at least 15 minutes for the spices to penetrate the meat for the best flavor.
Inconsistent Oil Temperature: One of the biggest mistakes is not monitoring your oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, the chicken absorbs excess oil and becomes greasy; if it’s too hot, the coating burns before the chicken cooks through. Invest in a good thermometer and maintain a steady 350°F throughout the frying process.
Overcrowding the Frying Pot: Adding too many chicken pieces at once dramatically lowers the oil temperature and prevents proper browning. Fry in small batches, even if it takes longer, to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Skipping the Double-Fry: The double-frying technique is essential for authentic Korean fried chicken. The first fry cooks the chicken, while the second fry creates that signature crispiness. Skipping the second fry results in a less crispy product that won’t stand up to the sauce.
Saucing Too Early: Coating the chicken with sauce too far in advance will make the crispy coating soggy. Always sauce your chicken just before serving for the perfect texture contrast.
Burning the Honey Butter Sauce: The sauce contains sugar and honey, which can burn quickly if not watched carefully. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. Once the sauce starts to bubble, it only needs 1-2 minutes to thicken properly.
Using Cold Chicken: Starting with cold chicken straight from the refrigerator can lead to uneven cooking. Let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before coating and frying.
Not Drying the Chicken: Before applying the first flour coating, make sure your chicken tenders are relatively dry. Excess moisture can cause the coating to become soggy or slip off during frying.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating restaurant-quality Korean honey butter chicken tenders that will impress family and friends alike. The attention to detail makes all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

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You Must Know

Oil selection matters – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. Olive oil is not suitable as it has a low smoke point and will impart an unwanted flavor to your chicken.
The sparkling water secret – The carbonation in sparkling water creates tiny air pockets in the batter that expand when they hit the hot oil, resulting in an extra light and crispy coating. Flat water won’t achieve the same results, so don’t substitute regular water.
Double-coating is essential – The three-step coating process (flour, wet batter, seasoned flour) creates layers of texture that are crucial for authentic Korean fried chicken. Shortcuts here will significantly impact the final texture.
Sauce consistency is key – The honey butter sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thin, it won’t adhere properly; if it’s too thick, it will clump rather than create a glossy coating. If needed, adjust with a tiny bit more butter to thin or cook slightly longer to thicken.

Suggestions for Korean Honey Butter Chicken Variations

The beauty of Korean honey butter chicken lies in its adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with these exciting variations to create new flavor experiences:

Spicy Honey Butter Chicken

For those who enjoy heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to your honey butter sauce. This adds a delicious spicy kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the honey. You can also sprinkle some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) over the finished dish for added heat and visual appeal.

This variation is similar to the popular Extra-Crispy Fried Chicken With Caramelized Honey and Spice but with a distinctly Korean twist.

Garlic Honey Butter Chicken

Enhance the garlic flavor by adding 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic to your honey butter sauce during the last 30 seconds of cooking. The fresh garlic adds an aromatic dimension that complements the sweet and savory elements perfectly. This variation draws inspiration from the popular Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe but maintains the crispy Korean fried chicken base.

Citrus Honey Butter Chicken

Add a bright, tangy element by incorporating 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon, lime, or orange zest to your honey butter sauce. You can also add 1-2 teaspoons of the corresponding juice for additional citrus flavor. This refreshing variation cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a new dimension to the dish.

Sesame Honey Butter Chicken

For a nutty twist, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to your honey butter sauce just before removing it from the heat. Garnish the finished dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. The nutty flavor of sesame complements the sweet honey beautifully.

Coconut Honey Butter Chicken

Create a fusion variation by replacing half of the butter with coconut cream and adding 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce. This creates a delicious Thai-Korean fusion with tropical notes that work surprisingly well with the honey and soy elements.

Baked Version

For a healthier alternative, you can bake these chicken tenders instead of frying. After coating the chicken, place the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray or brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through. While the texture won’t be identical to the fried version, it’s still delicious and significantly reduces the oil content.

If you’re looking for more creative chicken recipes, check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for another family-friendly option. Or for a completely different dessert option after your meal, try our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe.

Remember, the key to successful variations is to maintain the basic techniques that make Korean honey butter chicken special – the marination, the double-coating, and the double-frying – while experimenting with different flavor profiles in the sauce.

FAQs:

What makes Korean honey butter chicken different from regular fried chicken?

Korean honey butter chicken stands out from regular fried chicken in several key ways. First, it utilizes a double-frying technique that creates an exceptionally crispy exterior that remains crunchy even when sauced. Second, the coating process typically involves multiple steps (flour, wet batter, seasoned flour) that create layers of texture. Finally, the signature honey butter sauce combines sweet, savory, and rich elements in a way that’s distinctly Korean – balancing honey, butter, and soy sauce for a complex flavor profile that’s become wildly popular both in Korea and internationally.

Can I make Korean honey butter chicken ahead of time?

While Korean honey butter chicken is best served immediately after cooking, you can prepare certain components ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the dry flour mixtures can be prepared a day ahead. You can even fry the chicken (both first and second fry) up to 2 hours before serving and keep it warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. However, only apply the honey butter sauce right before serving to maintain the crispy texture. Fully sauced leftovers can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and reheated in a 375°F oven until crisp and hot.

Why is sparkling water used in the batter for Korean honey butter chicken?

Sparkling water is a key ingredient in creating the light, crispy texture that’s characteristic of Korean fried chicken. The carbonation in the water creates tiny bubbles in the batter that expand when they hit the hot oil, resulting in an airy, crisp coating. Additionally, the cold temperature of the sparkling water (ideally ice-cold) slows down gluten development in the flour, which keeps the batter light rather than tough or chewy. This technique is widely used in Korean and Japanese tempura batters to achieve that perfect crispy-yet-light texture that stands up well to sauces.

What sides pair well with Korean honey butter chicken?

Korean honey butter chicken pairs beautifully with both traditional Korean sides and fusion options. Traditional accompaniments include pickled radish (danmuji), kimchi, or a simple side of steamed rice to balance the rich flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve with Korean potato salad or japchae (sweet potato noodles). Fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumber spears or a simple green salad provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich chicken. For a fusion approach, try serving with french fries, coleslaw, or even a light macaroni salad. Don’t forget the beverages – cold beer, soju, or even a crisp lemonade complements the sweet-savory flavors perfectly.

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders for Korean honey butter chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts or thighs for tenders in this Korean honey butter chicken recipe. If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips approximately the size of tenders (about 1-inch wide and 4-5 inches long) for even cooking. For thighs, you can either use boneless, skinless thighs cut into strips or leave them whole for a more substantial piece. Thighs will provide more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content, while breast meat will be leaner. If using thighs, you may need to adjust the frying time slightly – add 1-2 minutes to the first fry to ensure they’re fully cooked through. The coating process and sauce remain exactly the same regardless of which cut you choose.

Conclusion

Korean honey butter chicken tenders represent the perfect fusion of crispy textures and sweet-savory flavors that make Korean cuisine so globally appealing. By following this detailed recipe and heeding the tips and techniques shared, you’ve now mastered a dish that balances culinary traditions with modern flavors – creating something truly special for your table.

The magic of this dish lies in its contrasts: the crunch of the double-fried coating against the tender juiciness of the chicken, and the rich butteriness playing against sweet honey and savory soy sauce. It’s these harmonious contradictions that make Korean honey butter chicken so irresistible and craveable.

Whether you’re serving these tenders as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering, enjoying them as a family meal with steamed rice and vegetables, or exploring the various creative variations we’ve suggested, this recipe provides a solid foundation for culinary exploration. The techniques you’ve learned – proper marination, three-step coating, double-frying, and sauce-making – are valuable skills that extend far beyond this single recipe.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adjusting the spice levels, experimenting with different garnishes, or trying some of the variations we’ve outlined. For seafood lovers, you might also enjoy our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta as another quick and delicious meal option.

Remember that like any skill, your results will improve with practice. Your first batch might not be perfect, but each time you make this Korean honey butter chicken, you’ll refine your technique and develop an intuitive understanding of the cooking process.

So heat up that oil, prepare your dredging station, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, sweet, buttery delight that is Korean honey butter chicken. Your taste buds – and anyone lucky enough to share your table – will thank you!