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Easy Hot Honey Chicken

Easy Hot Honey Chicken

Get ready for our Hot Honey Chicken! Juicy, crispy chicken thighs or breasts 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.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

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
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce like Sriracha or your favorite
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
For Frying
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. 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. In another large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. 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. 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 (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  6. Generously drizzle the warm hot honey over the fried chicken while it's still hot, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  7. Serve the hot honey chicken immediately while it's crispy and warm. Pair with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite sides.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Pro Tip: 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.