Honey hot chicken delivers bold comfort with crispy, spice-kissed chicken coated in a glossy swirl of golden honey and warming heat. Juicy strips are marinated with chili flakes, smoked paprika, and a hint of citrus, then seared until perfectly crunchy. A smooth honey and mustard glaze brings sweet balance to the fiery notes, clinging to every bite. Served over fluffy jasmine rice or tucked into soft flatbreads, this playful favorite is perfect for weeknight cravings or relaxed gatherings, offering big flavor and pure satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This honey hot chicken
- It’s a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that dances on your taste buds.
- Easy to make, so you can whip it up for any occasion.
- Great for meal prep, keeping your weeknight dinners exciting.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides or enjoy on its own.
honey hot chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, pour in the flour. This will be your crispy coating!
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes per side.
- In a small saucepan, warm honey and additional hot sauce over low heat, stirring until well combined.
- Toss the fried chicken in the honey-hot sauce mixture until each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve the honey hot chicken immediately. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors!
Ingredients
Gather these delightful ingredients to create your mouthwatering honey hot chicken!
- Chicken pieces – 2 lbs, your choice of wings or thighs
- Buttermilk – 1 cup, for soaking the chicken
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten
- Flour – 1 cup, for coating
- Salt – 1 tsp, to taste
- Pepper – 1 tsp, for seasoning
- Paprika – 1 tsp, to add flavor and color
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp, for extra zest
- Hot sauce – 2 tbsp, adjust for your spice preference
- Honey – 1/4 cup, to sweeten the heat
- Vegetable oil – for frying, enough for about 2 inches in the pan
How to Make Honey Hot Chicken
Get ready to dive into a delicious adventure! This honey hot chicken recipe takes about 1 hour for marinating, 20 minutes for cooking, and a little extra time for the flavors to meld. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for flavor!
Step 3: Prepare the Flour
In another bowl, pour in the flour. This will be your crispy coating!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready for frying!
Step 5: Dredge the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Get that coating nice and even!
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes per side. Keep an eye on that timer!
Step 7: Make the Honey Hot Sauce
In a small saucepan, warm honey and additional hot sauce over low heat, stirring until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Toss the Chicken
Toss the fried chicken in the honey-hot sauce mixture until each piece is evenly coated. Get ready for that sweet and spicy goodness!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the honey hot chicken immediately. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 80 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Immediately after frying |
Pro Tips for Making Honey Hot Chicken
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- Use honey from local sources for a unique taste.
- Fry the chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Let the chicken rest before serving for juiciness.
How to Serve this honey hot chicken
- Serve on a fluffy biscuit for a Southern twist.
- Pair with creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Top a fresh salad with honey hot chicken for a zesty kick.
- Enjoy with sweet potato fries for a delightful combo.
- Wrap in a tortilla with avocado and lettuce for a spicy burrito.
- Serve alongside cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your honey hot chicken later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow chicken to cool to room temperature.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- For a crispy texture, use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What exactly is hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze made from honey and hot sauce. The contrast of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that is both savory and sweet, making it a favorite among many. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals!
2. What is honey, hot sauce made of?
Honey hot sauce is typically made from a blend of honey, your choice of hot sauce, and sometimes additional ingredients like vinegar, garlic, or spices to enhance the flavor. The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce creates a unique and irresistible flavor profile that pairs perfectly with chicken and other dishes!
3. Is honey good with hot chicken?
Absolutely! Honey adds a delightful sweetness that balances the heat from the hot sauce, making it a perfect complement to spicy chicken. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a sticky, glaze-like texture that makes the chicken even more enjoyable. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
4. How to cook chicken in hot honey?
To cook chicken in hot honey, start by marinating your chicken pieces in a mixture of hot sauce and honey for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook the chicken by frying, baking, or grilling until it’s fully cooked and crispy. Once done, drizzle more hot honey over the chicken for an extra kick of flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy the delicious blend of sweet and spicy!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful crunch and sweet heat of honey hot chicken! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that’s easy to whip up. So gather your loved ones, dive into this recipe, and enjoy every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!