Description
This Hot Honey Chicken recipe features crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, then fried to golden perfection, this dish is an easy and delicious crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful marinade that tenderizes and seasons the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to form a well-seasoned dredging mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the ideal frying temperature for crispy chicken.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness while keeping them warm.
- Prepare Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, gently combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the glaze is smooth and combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle or brush the hot honey glaze generously over the fried chicken just before serving to add a perfect sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the glaze to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a lighter preparation, bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying.
- Serve this hot honey chicken alongside coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
