Easy Hot Honey Fried Chicken Recipe
If you love crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, this hot honey fried chicken recipe is for you. Combining perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce, this recipe delivers a bold flavor punch. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or bringing something special to a gathering, hot honey fried chicken is guaranteed to be a hit. The sweet heat of the hot honey paired with the crunchy fried chicken creates a dish that’s satisfying and unforgettable.
Crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in flavorful seasonings is taken to the next level with a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness, making this dish a showstopper.
This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The hot honey sauce adds a gourmet touch, making your fried chicken stand out without requiring complicated techniques. It’s perfect for those who love bold, dynamic flavors.
Tools to Use
- Mixing bowls
- Large frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
- Coat the Chicken
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and butter. Heat over low until melted and combined.
- Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.
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Easy Hot Honey Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken pieces drumsticks, thighs, or wings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 –2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
- Coat the Chicken
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and butter. Heat over low until melted and combined.
- Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.
Tips for Cooking
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Test the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F to achieve crispy chicken.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes in the honey to suit your spice preference.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Hot honey fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy makes it a standout dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
Hot honey fried chicken brings a bold, exciting twist to a classic dish. With its crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and the irresistible sweetness of hot honey, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Give it a try and savor the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite!
