Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistibly Spicy-Sweet

Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed delight with our Hot Honey Chicken! Juicy, crispy chicken thighs or breasts are marinated to perfection, then fried until golden and drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. This irresistible combination of tender chicken and zesty honey makes for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises mouthwatering satisfaction every time.

Flavorful Combination: The recipe combines the rich, savory taste of perfectly fried chicken with a unique hot honey drizzle that adds a sweet and spicy kick, creating a mouthwatering dish that's both comforting and exciting.

Versatility: This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to use different cuts of chicken, adjust the heat level of the hot honey, and even bake instead of fry, making it perfect for a variety of preferences and dietary needs.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs, but bone-in, skin-on pieces are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and salt for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.
Can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?
- Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the hot honey mixture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
- You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
What kind of hot sauce should I use?
- Use your favorite hot sauce, such as Sriracha, Frank's RedHot, or any other preferred brand.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use this recipe for chicken wings?
- Yes, this recipe can be adapted for chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?
- Serve with coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I store leftover hot honey?
- Yes, store leftover hot honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How do I prevent the chicken from being too greasy?
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I make the seasoned flour mixture ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the seasoned flour mixture and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
- No, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the seasoned flour.
How long does it take to make Hot Honey Chicken?
- The total time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, including marinating, preparation, and cooking.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the frying time as it may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

Make it

Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4-6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt

For the Seasoned Flour:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Hot Honey:

1/2 cup honey
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil or canola oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

2. Prepare the Hot Honey:

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Heat over low heat until warm and well mixed. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Seasoned Flour:

In another large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Coat the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

5. Fry the Chicken:

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

6. Drizzle with Hot Honey:

Once all the chicken is fried, drizzle it generously with the prepared hot honey.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 400 calories per serving
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g

Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating time)
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes

Enjoy making this delightful Hot Honey Chicken, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that will surely become a family favorite!

Explore More Tasty Recipes

Must-Try Recipes

The Best Crispy Chicken Sandwich You Will Ever Have: Discover the ultimate Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe! Tender chicken breasts marinated, breaded, and fried to perfection.
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: This creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta is quick, delicious, and not to brag, but better than most restaurants.
Chicken Fried Rice: Prepare to be transported to a realm of irresistible flavors and culinary bliss as we unveil our mouthwatering rendition of Chicken Fried Rice.

Dive Into More Deliciousness

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Recipe Collection for endless culinary adventures.