Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Southern Garden Salad Recipe

There’s something special about comfort food that warms the soul. Fried chicken is a classic dish that has a crispy exterior and tender meat, making it a favorite in many homes. But what if we told you that you could elevate this classic with a modern twist? Introducing Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken! This delightful combination of sweetness and savory notes will take your taste buds on an exciting journey. Paired with creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a refreshing Southern Garden Salad, this meal is perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or cozy dinners at home. Let’s explore the details of this exquisite recipe!

Honey butter glazed fried chicken served with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and salad

Ingredients

Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken

• For the Chicken:

- 4 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Oil for frying

• For the Honey Butter Glaze:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 head of garlic

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chive oil (or chopped fresh chives)

  
  

Southern Garden Salad

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 2 boiled eggs, quartered

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup cornbread croutons

• Ranch or honey Dijon dressing

  
  

Cooking Instructions

Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: To start, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is ideal for the best flavor.

   
   

2. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drain off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture for an even coating.

   
   

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry for 10-12 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).

   
   

4. Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While the chicken cooks, whisk melted butter, honey, and sea salt in a small bowl. Once cooked, place the chicken on a wire rack and brush the honey butter glaze generously over each piece while hot.

   
   

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft.

   
   

2. Cook the Potatoes: In a pot, add cubed potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

   
   

3. Mash the Potatoes: Squeeze the roasted garlic into the potatoes. Add butter and heavy cream, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with chive oil or sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.

   
   

Southern Garden Salad

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, boiled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese.

   
   

2. Add Croutons and Dressing: Top the salad with cornbread croutons and your choice of ranch or honey Dijon dressing. Toss gently to mix.

   
   

Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes topped with chives in a bowl

Serving Suggestions

With all the components ready, it’s time to serve! Arrange the Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken on a platter, alongside a generous scoop of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a colorful Southern Garden Salad. For an extra flair, serve the chicken on a waffle wedge for a fun twist or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy kick.

This meal shines during family gatherings, weekend brunches, or a cozy night in. The medley of flavors and textures will impress your guests and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Marinade: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.

  
  

• Proper Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying the chicken. If it’s too cool, your chicken may end up greasy. A quick test is to drop a small piece of bread in the oil; it should react immediately.

  
  

• Garlic Roasting: Watch the garlic closely. If it starts to brown too much, it can taste bitter. Aim for a sweet, soft texture.

  
  

• Salad Variations: Feel free to customize your Southern Garden Salad! Add avocados or bell peppers. For a crunchier twist, bacon can bring an amazing flavor.

  
  

A vibrant southern garden salad with cornbread croutons and dressing on the side

A Delicious Comfort Food Experience Awaits You

Honey Butter Glazed Fried Chicken, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Southern Garden Salad harmonize beautifully to create a meal that is comforting and modern. The chicken glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, while the creamy mashed potatoes and fresh salad add diverse textures to the dining experience.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this delightful dish that brings a fresh twist on classic comfort food. Happy cooking!