The Secret TO Make Kfc Style Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Made Easy
THE SECRET TO MAKE KFC STYLE HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WINGS MADE EASY is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 4. 1000 calories per serving. Recipe by Kuya Fern's Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $12.30 total, $3.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.1 kg Chicken Wings (Whole wings, tips removed if desired)
- 3 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Thai or Vietnamese style)
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor)
- 4 Tbsp Cornstarch (Helps create a light coating)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (Mixed with cornstarch for coating)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (For dredging the wings after seasoning)
- 2 cup Vegetable Oil (For deep‑frying; use a neutral oil with high smoke point)
- 200 g Unsalted Butter (Cut into cubes for quick melting)
- 1 head Garlic (Finely chopped)
- 1.5 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar (Adds caramel sweetness)
- 1.25 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Light soy sauce for color and salt)
- 2.5 Tbsp Honey (Prefer mild-flavored honey)
Instructions
Season and Coat the Wings
In a mixing bowl combine the fish sauce, ground black pepper, cornstarch and 2 Tbsp flour. Add the chicken wings and toss for about 1 minute until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Transfer the wings to a shallow dish of plain flour, roll to coat thoroughly, then shake off excess.
Time: PT5M
First Fry (Low‑Medium Heat)
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over low‑medium flame. When a bamboo skewer sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Fry the coated wings in batches for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden‑brown and are cooked through.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Medium (≈350°F)
Optional Second Fry (High Heat)
Increase the oil temperature to high. Fry the wings again for 2–3 minutes until the surface is extra‑crisp. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: High (≈375°F)
Drain the Wings
Transfer the fried wings onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to let excess oil drip off.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
In a clean pan, melt the butter over low‑medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low‑Medium
Add Sweeteners and Soy
Stir in the light brown sugar, soy sauce, and honey. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Coat the Wings
Add the fried wings to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently on the lowest flame for 5 minutes, ensuring each wing is fully coated and the glaze caramelizes without hardening.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Serve
Turn off the heat, transfer the glazed wings to a serving platter, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1000
- Protein
- 83 g
- Carbohydrates
- 7.5 g
- Fat
- 62 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains honey, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Soy, Dairy, Gluten, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Wings: Chicken drumettes
- Instead of Fish Sauce: Soy sauce + 1 tsp lime juice
- Instead of Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Rice flour
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Ghee
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Large Skillet or Deep Fry Pan
- Wire Rack
- Bamboo Skewer
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Saucepan (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the wings are fully coated with flour before frying
- Maintaining proper oil temperature for the first and second fry
- Keeping the sauce on low heat to prevent the caramel from hardening
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra aromatic boost, add a pinch of five‑spice powder to the seasoning mix.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for the first fry and 375°F for the second fry.
Troubleshooting
Wings are soggy after frying
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the wings and avoid overcrowding; consider the optional second fry for extra crispness.
Sauce hardens into a candy‑like coating
Keep the flame on low and stir continuously; add a teaspoon of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
Garlic burns and turns bitter
Sauté garlic only until fragrant (about 2 minutes) and keep the heat low.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to retain crispness.
Freezer: Can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fry the wings up to step 4 and store them in the fridge; reheat and toss with fresh sauce just before serving.
- The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm on low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy garlic butter honey soy chicken wings in Filipino cuisine?
While chicken wings are not a traditional Filipino dish, they have become a popular bar snack (pulutan) in the Philippines, especially when coated in sweet‑savory sauces that blend local flavors like fish sauce with Asian influences such as soy and honey.
What are the traditional regional variations of sweet‑savory wing dishes in Filipino cuisine?
In the Visayas, wings are often glazed with banana ketchup and calamansi; in Luzon, a soy‑fish sauce glaze with garlic is common. The recipe from Kuya Fern’s Cooking reflects the Luzon‑style sweet‑savory profile.
How is this crispy garlic butter honey soy chicken wings dish traditionally served in the Philippines?
It is typically served hot as an appetizer or pulutan, placed on a platter with sliced chilies and a side of steamed rice or as a finger food alongside cold beer.
What occasions or celebrations is this wing dish associated with in Filipino culture?
Crispy glazed wings are popular at gatherings such as birthdays, fiestas, and karaoke nights, where they are enjoyed as a communal snack.
What makes this wing recipe special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
The double‑fry technique creates an ultra‑crisp texture, while the garlic butter honey soy glaze blends Filipino fish sauce with Chinese soy and Western honey, showcasing the Philippines’ multicultural palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy garlic butter honey soy chicken wings?
Common errors include frying at too low a temperature, which makes the coating soggy, and letting the sauce boil on high heat, which causes the caramel to harden. Follow the low‑heat steps for the sauce and maintain proper oil temperature.
Why does this recipe use a double‑fry method instead of a single fry?
The first fry cooks the meat through and sets the coating; the second, higher‑heat fry quickly crisps the exterior without overcooking the interior, resulting in a crunchy yet juicy wing.
Can I make the crispy garlic butter honey soy chicken wings ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Fry the wings up to step 4, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes, then toss with freshly prepared sauce before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the wings are done?
The wings should be golden‑brown, with a glossy caramelized glaze that clings to the surface. The coating must be dry and crunchy, not soggy or oily.
How do I know when the garlic butter honey soy sauce is ready?
When the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, it is ready. It should be glossy but not bubbling aggressively.
What does the YouTube channel Kuya Fern's Cooking specialize in?
Kuya Fern's Cooking focuses on Filipino home‑cooking recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kuya Fern's Cooking's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Kuya Fern emphasizes practical, budget‑friendly meals using readily available ingredients, and often incorporates detailed safety tips and equipment hacks that are less common on other channels.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
