Honey Butter Crispy Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or thin chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce if using. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press the coating on well.
5. Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes to help the crust adhere.
6. Fry the chicken in batches for about 6–8 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
7. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Warm until smooth.
8. Dip or drizzle the hot fried chicken with the honey butter sauce.
9. Serve immediately.