Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Name: Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (Cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Paprika; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper; 1 cup Hot honey

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What is your current obsession with Hot Honey Chicken? I can’t stop making it! What is that perfect balance of sweet and spicy? Is fried chicken better than regular chicken? From the honey. My grandma used to make the most amazing fried chicken, super crispy and juicy, but this hot honey honey recipe is delicious. Version takes it to a whole new level. What is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting but still exciting? Once you try this, you’ll be hooked. What is the key to using good quality honey?

What is hot honey chicken?

What is hot honey chicken? Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces, tossed in a glaze that’s both sweet and sour. Is it fried chicken? Think of it as your favorite Comfort Food with a serious kick! What is the hot honey used for? What is the best sticky, sweet, and spicy flavor? I’ve been perfecting this balance for years now.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best recipes for hot honey chicken?flavorIs it out of this world? You get that sweetness from honey, balanced by the heat from chili flakes. Is it addictive? What I love most about this is that it feels fancy, but it is so darn cute.simpleWhat are some good ways to whip up a quick dinner on saturday night? I have done it countless times when I’m short on time.Cost-Is there a big plus? What are some of the basic ingredients in your pantry? What’s the best part?versatile. Serve it with Mashed Potatoes, coleslaw, or even on a bun as an appetizer. Honestly? What is my go to snack when I have to work late at night?

How do you make hot chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make hot Honey Chicken? We start by prepping the chicken (I usually go for boneless, skinless thighs because they stay nice and tender). I then cook the rest. I don’t have any taste for chicken, but I do like to cook it. Then, we whip up a simple batter, fry the chicken to golden perfection, and finally, toss it in that same pan. Is there a hot honey glaze? What is the beauty of this recipe? Don’t worry about getting it perfect on your first try – I definitely didnt! A quick tip? Don’t overcook chicken, otherwise it will be too dry. I learned that the hard way.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Is chicken breast a good choice?
Is it safe to use gluten-free flour?
1/2 cup cornstarch. This helps make the chicken extra crispy.
I prefer sea salt for flavor.
What is the best way to ground Black Pepper?
1/2 tsp garlic powder. Adds a nice savory touch.
1/2 teaspoon paprika. Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
1 cup buttermilk. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the batter stick.
Vegetable oil, for frying. Canola oil works well too, it has to be something that can resist high heat.

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

1/2 cup honey. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. I usually buy local!
I like to add 2 tbsp sriracha. Adjust to your spice preference. I sometimes add a little bit more!
What is the use of 1 tbsp of rice vinegar?
How can I make umami with 1 tbsp soy sauce?
What is the best way to cook red pepper flakes?
1 tbsp butter. Adds richness and shine.

What are the step by

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure all the pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender it will be. I find that 1 hour is usually perfect.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. This dry mixture is what will give the chicken its crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Is it safe to remove chicken from buttermilk? Dredge each piece in flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. What is the best way to coat chicken with flour? I always double dredge just to make sure it’s extra crispy.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess liquid. Then, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over it. Toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

Hot Honey Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right side! What are some good ideas to get started?

What is a quick lunch?Serve over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed broccoli or green beans. I love a simple side salad. It’s delicious!

For a Fun Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with french fries and coleslaw? What is a classic combo that everyone loves?

As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken pieces on skewers with a dipping sauce of your choice. Ranch or blue cheese dressing would be delicious. It’s perfect for parties or game nights.

For a Spicy Snack: Toss it in a warm pita bread or tortilla. I’ve even added some mozzarella cheese to make it gooey and delicious!

My family usually insists I serve this with my mashed potatoes. It is amazing how well these two pair!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Okay, now for the good stuff: the tips and tricks I’ve learned over countless batches of this Hot Honey Chicken! These are the things that will take your chicken from good to absolutely amazing.

Chicken Prep: Pat the chicken pieces dry before coating them in the flour mixture. This helps the coating stick better and makes the chicken extra crispy. I use paper towels to ensure they are really dry.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the heat and ensure even cooking. I usually cook in batches of 5-7 pieces.

Spice Control: Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes in the hot honey glaze to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and add more to taste. I always add a little more, I love the heat!

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly. I use this substitution very often!

Frying Tips: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. I usually add a piece of bread to see if the oil is ready.

Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup. For a tangier glaze, add a squeeze of lime juice. I always experiment with the glaze!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Hot Honey Chicken to keep it tasting its best:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave (but it won’t be as crispy).

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the chicken, it’s best to toss it in the hot honey glaze right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can! To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. It won’t be quite as crispy as fried chicken, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well in this recipe too. Just be sure not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily than chicken thighs. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed.

How can I make this spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the hot honey glaze. You can also use a spicier type of chili pepper, like cayenne pepper or habanero. Be careful, though, a little goes a long way!

Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The hot honey glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before using.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. They will add a similar tanginess to the glaze.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friends! My absolute favorite Hot Honey Chicken recipe. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet honey and spicy chili is just irresistible, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. What I love most is how adaptable it is – you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a delicious and exciting way to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is a must-try! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below. Happy cooking! Can’t wait to see yours turn out!

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