Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken from O'Charley's features crispy, golden-brown fried chicken tenderly coated with a sweet honey drizzle, delivering a perfect harmony of crunchy texture and rich, savory-sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Sheet pan with wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Thermometer
- Saucepan (for honey drizzle)
- Ladle or spoon (for drizzling)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken tenders
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup honey
When preparing Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken from O'Charley's copycat menu, use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor. Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken and enhancing the crispy coating when combined with the flour and cornstarch mixture. Season the flour mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to achieve that signature Southern flavor profile. Vegetable oil should be heated to 350degF (175degC) for optimal frying; using a thermometer ensures the chicken cooks evenly without becoming greasy. Your honey drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing the savory spices with sweet richness to mimic O'Charley's beloved dish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Place chicken tenders in a mixing bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
- Place coated chicken tenders on a sheet pan with wire rack. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C), about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oil, draining on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until slightly thin.
- Arrange fried chicken on serving plate or rack.
- Drizzle warm honey generously over the hot chicken using a ladle or spoon.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken from O'Charley's copycat menu features tender chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk and coated with a crispy blend of flour and cornstarch seasoned with paprika and cayenne pepper. You can substitute chicken thighs cut into strips if tenders are unavailable, as they provide a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. If a deep fryer is not accessible, frying the chicken in a heavy skillet with a few inches of vegetable oil is an effective alternative for achieving a crispy crust. For the honey drizzle, warming the honey gently in a saucepan enhances its pourability without losing its natural sweetness. Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350-375degF for perfect frying results and to prevent greasy or undercooked chicken.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least one hour to ensure they stay tender and juicy during frying. Maintain the oil temperature steadily at 350degF (175degC) using a thermometer to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil. After coating in the seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, allow the tenders to rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better and produce the perfect crunch. When drizzling honey, warm it slightly in a saucepan to create a smooth glaze that complements the spicy, savory chicken without overpowering it.
Nutritions
Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken provides a substantial protein source from 2 lbs of chicken tenders, essential for muscle repair and growth. The fried coating made of 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup cornstarch contributes significant carbohydrates, fueling your energy needs, while the vegetable oil used for frying adds calories primarily from fats. The 1/2 cup of honey drizzled on top provides natural sugars, enhancing flavor but also increasing the dish's overall calorie and carbohydrate content. Your meal balances savory spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne, which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but moderation is key due to the dish's fried preparation.
Storage
To store Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken, allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking to maintain the crispy texture and prevent bacteria growth; they will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with substituting the honey drizzle with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet profile that complements the crispy coating. For a spicier variation, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the honey drizzle, infusing it with heat and depth. Try marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for a tangy, piquant twist on the traditional brine. Using baking powder in place of cornstarch in the flour mixture creates an even crispier texture when fried.
Allergies
Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, which may cause reactions for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The buttermilk introduces dairy, potentially triggering allergies in those sensitive to milk proteins. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, especially wheat or dairy, exercise caution when enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken from O'Charley's combines the perfect balance of crispy, golden fried chicken with a luscious honey drizzle that enhances the savory flavors. The dish offers a unique blend of sweet and savory tastes that appeal to those craving comfort food with a twist. You'll appreciate the satisfying crunch and the subtle sweetness that elevates the traditional Southern fried chicken experience. Making a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this flavorful favorite anytime, using fresh ingredients tailored to your taste.