Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate balance of crispy, juicy fried chicken and a lip-tingling sweet-heat glaze, this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe will absolutely steal your heart (and maybe your tastebuds). Crunchy bites of chicken, first bathed in tangy buttermilk, get showered in a golden, sticky hot honey sauce—a melody of spicy, sweet, and buttery flavors that’s straight-up craveable. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or an epic game day feast, this recipe effortlessly delivers bold flavor and irresistible comfort. Let’s jump in and make your new favorite chicken dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on just a few familiar ingredients that work magic together. Every component plays a starring role, from creating the crisp coating on the chicken to building that signature sweet-spicy glaze.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for juicy, tender bites every time—dark or white meat both work beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer, making the chicken ultra-moist and providing tangy richness that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Gives our chicken its iconic crunchy exterior.
- Cornstarch: Blends with the flour to create an extra-light, shatteringly crisp crust.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth straight into the breading.
- Paprika: Brings a warm, subtle smokiness plus color.
- Salt and black pepper: The backbone of all good seasoning, making the flavors pop.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral, high-heat oil for perfectly golden frying.
- Honey: The sweet base for our hot glaze, balancing out all the spice.
- Hot sauce: Choose your favorite brand and adjust the amount for your preferred fiery kick.
- Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it cling to each bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Dial up the heat if you like things extra spicy!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy, shareable snacking or piling onto sandwiches. Place them in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk, stirring so every piece gets coated. Let those flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight if you have time)—this little step ensures tender, flavor-packed chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating
While your chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This blend is the secret to that glorious crunch you expect from a great Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. Make sure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Take each soaked chicken piece out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip away, and toss it into the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure every nook is coated—this is where much of the magic happens for achieving the crispiest possible crust.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy Dutch oven, aiming for 350°F. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken, turning pieces occasionally for even browning. After about 5 to 6 minutes, the chicken should be golden, impossibly crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you prepare the glaze.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, blend the honey, hot sauce, butter, and (if you want the extra fire) red pepper flakes. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy and smooth. It should smell absolutely amazing—sweet, spicy, and buttery all at once!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy fried chicken, or toss the pieces in a bowl to coat them evenly. Serve straight away—the contrast of hot, crisp chicken and sticky-sweet sauce is absolutely divine. Your Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter chopped fresh parsley or chives for the prettiest pop of green, or try thinly sliced green onions for a subtle oniony finish. Sesame seeds add a slight nuttiness and extra crunch. And if you want even more pizzazz, squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top to brighten everything up!
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, sweet corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw to tame the spicy-sweet glaze. For a lighter touch, try it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your hot honey chicken into sliders with brioche buns and a dollop of creamy slaw, pile pieces atop waffles for an unforgettable brunch, or skewer them for a party-ready appetizer platter. You can even serve them taco-style with crunchy cabbage and pickles for a fun, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep excess moisture at bay, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep any extra hot honey glaze in a separate small container.
Freezing
You can freeze fried chicken pieces for easy meals later. Cool completely, spread on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Store for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and make a fresh batch of glaze for serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven—or in the air fryer—until hot and re-crisped, about 10–15 minutes. Warm the hot honey glaze gently on the stove or in the microwave, then drizzle right before serving to recapture the irresistible crunch and sticky sheen of your original Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders or wings instead of thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is super versatile—just adjust frying times slightly based on the size of the pieces, and keep a close eye so everything turns out juicy and crispy.
Is buttermilk necessary, or is there a substitute?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It mimics that tenderizing tang just like classic buttermilk.
How spicy is the glaze, and can I make it milder?
The beauty of this glaze is that it’s totally customizable! Use less hot sauce (or a milder style) to dial down the heat, or skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven or air fryer?
For a lighter version, bake on a wire rack at 400°F or air fry, making sure to coat the chicken pieces well with oil spray. They’ll turn out crisp and delicious—just slightly less golden than traditional deep frying.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken is crispy and not soggy?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying, fry in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, and always drain the chicken briefly on paper towels. Serve immediately after glazing for the ultimate crunch!
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few simple steps away from Hot Honey Chicken Recipe happiness—a mouthwatering meal that’s both wildly satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family to share, and give this recipe a try. Get ready to fall in love with every sticky, spicy, crispy bite!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze for a delicious Southern-inspired dish that is sure to please. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried until golden brown, and then drizzled with a hot honey glaze.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl, pour buttermilk over, mix to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil, dredge chicken in flour mixture, fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan, heat until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle hot honey over fried chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can make a lighter version in the air fryer or oven by spraying with oil and cooking until crispy.
- Adjust the spice level of the glaze to suit your preference by altering the hot sauce and pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 chicken pieces with glaze
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
