hot honey chicken recipe
The Best hot honey chicken recipe
I’ve been making hot honey chicken for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just sticks because it’s so easy and so good. The first time I tried it, I was hooked—crispy, juicy chicken with that perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the honey and chili. My kids go crazy for it, which is always a win, and it’s become a regular in our weekly meal rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can bake it, air-fry it, or even pan-fry it, depending on how much time you have. The hot honey glaze adds just enough heat to keep things interesting without being overwhelming, and the honey gives it a natural sweetness that’s way better than anything store-bought. Plus, it’s packed with protein, and if you use a good-quality honey, you’re getting some antioxidants and antibacterial benefits too. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes—tasty, easy, and actually good for you. My family requests it all the time, and I don’t blame them.
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
This irresistible dish features golden-fried chicken tossed in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like sriracha or chili garlic sauce)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
👨🍳Directions
-
1 In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness).
-
2 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for the breading.
-
3 Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
-
4 Working in batches, remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess.
-
5 Carefully place coated chicken in the hot oil and fry for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.
-
6 In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
-
7 Toss the fried chicken in the hot honey glaze until evenly coated. Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Plate or wire rack
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Works
This hot honey chicken recipe is one of those dishes that just works every time—simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for company. The balance of sweet and spicy keeps everyone coming back for more, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether it’s a casual family meal or a bigger gathering, this recipe delivers flavor without fuss, making it a go-to I’ll keep making for years.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
1. What is hot honey, and where can I find it?
Hot honey is a spicy-sweet condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers, often including ingredients like vinegar or garlic for extra flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores (look in the condiment or international foods aisle), specialty food shops, or online. Popular brands include Mike’s Hot Honey, Savannah Bee Company, or Trader Joe’s Hot Honey. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by warming honey with dried chili flakes or sliced fresh peppers.
2. Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying. To bake, coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. For an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The chicken won’t be as crispy as fried, but it’ll still be delicious with the hot honey glaze.
3. How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?
The spice level depends on the hot honey you use and any additional chili peppers in the recipe. Most store-bought hot honeys have a mild to medium heat, but you can control it by: – Using less hot honey or mixing it with regular honey. – Reducing or omitting extra chili flakes or cayenne in the coating. – Serving with a cooling side like ranch dressing or coleslaw. For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
4. What sides pair well with hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken is versatile and pairs well with both Southern and global flavors. Try these sides: – Classic Southern: Buttermilk biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, or cornbread. – Lighter options: Coleslaw, cucumber salad, or roasted sweet potatoes. – Global twists: Coconut rice, kimchi, or a fresh mango-avocado salsa. – For dipping: Ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey for drizzling.
5. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep parts of the recipe in advance to save time: – Marinate the chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute) for up to 24 hours in the fridge. – Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken in flour and spices up to 4 hours ahead; store it uncovered in the fridge to help the coating crisp up. – Make the glaze: Mix the hot honey with other glaze ingredients (like butter or soy sauce) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. – Reheat leftovers: Warm fried or baked chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
