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Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken
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Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey glaze. This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in buttermilk with a perfectly seasoned flour coating and a hot honey sauce, delivering a mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal as a main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling, it’s quick to prepare and made with simple ingredients to bring bold flavors straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying (enough for about 2 inches depth)

Optional Variations

  • Gluten-Free Flour or Crushed Cornflakes in place of all-purpose flour
  • Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar instead of honey
  • Fresh Herbs like Thyme or Rosemary for marinade infusion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk, adding a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Create the Breading Station: While the chicken marinates, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour will coat the chicken for a crispy crust.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Press thoroughly into the seasoned flour until fully coated on all sides. Set aside on a wire rack for a few minutes to let the coating set.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a thermometer.
  5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and hot sauce. Stir gently until warmed and well mixed. Adjust spice level by adding more hot sauce or honey as desired.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. Toss the warm chicken in the hot honey glaze or drizzle the sauce on top just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to prevent temperature drops and sogginess.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to help flour stick better and create crunchier crust.
  • Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep fried chicken crispy after frying.
  • Customize the hot honey sauce to taste for the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Fried Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Chicken Recipes

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/hot-honey-chicken/