“Don’t forget to put the honey butter on your chicken,” the server says as he lowers a tray of fried chicken onto your table.

Though the reminder may seem silly at a place called Honey Butter, it’s crucial. In a city with no shortage of excellent, affordable fried chicken choices (HBFC’s runs $15 for four pieces, with two corn muffins), this Avondale spot differentiates itself best through accoutrements: rum-barrel-aged hot sauce; inspired sides (three, with a muffin, for $10.50) such as creamed corn with Thai green curry, cumin-laced kale slaw with dehydrated pomegranate, and pimiento mac ’n’ cheese.

And, oh, that honey butter. Whipped till silky, it oozes into the double-battered skin and moist, brined meat, injecting even more decadence into one of life’s great pleasures.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken, 3361 N. Elston Ave., 773-478-4000

Hours: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily; open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Tuesdays.

This article appears in the December 2013 issue of Chicago magazine. Subscribe to Chicago magazine.

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