Let’s talk about chicken. What is the kind of chicken that makes your eyes roll back in your head? Everyone asking for seconds (and thirds)! ), and the kind that’s surprisingly simple to throw together. What’s a Hot Honey Chicken Recipe? I swear, it rivals my grandma’s famous fried chicken, and that is saying something!
What is a hot honey chicken recipe?
Alright, picture this: What is fried chicken like? Imagine a chicken being drizzled with glistening, sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze. What is a flavor explosion? Where does the magic happen – honey infused with a little kick, usually from the hot honey part? What is hot sauce? Chili flakes? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and it clings to the chicken in the most delightful way. The concept is simple, but the flavor is absolutely irresistible. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. And, honestly, the name says it all. What’s not to love?
Why you will love this recipe?
How do I make this hot Honey Chicken Recipe? Is it an experience? What I love most about it is how the sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. What is crispy chicken? What is the touch of heat that elevates everything to another level? Is it a dish that satisfies multiple cravings at the same time?
- What is Flavor that Pops?What is the combination of sweet, spicy, and savory? The honey adds a warm sweetness, the chili flakes add an playful kick, and the chicken is just, just. delicious. Is it chicken-y? My kids are obsessed!
- SurprisinglyWhat is the easiest recipe to make? What are some easy meals to whip up on a busy weeknight without breaking the bank? The ingredient list is straightforward, and the steps are simple to follow.
- Budget-Friendly:Chicken thighs are your best friend here – they’re cheaper than breasts and pack even more flavor. What are pantry staples? Honey and chili flakes? How do I create a gourmet meal without emptying my wallet?
- Totally VersatileServe it over rice, with mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or even on top of waffles for a brunch. What are the possibilities for using this in tacos? Is fried chicken more versatile than regular chicken?
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe reminds me a little bit of Korean Fried Chicken, but with more flavor. Accessible and easily customizable heat level. Is there a way to get rid of worms in minutes at my house? What are some easy recipe ideas that are bursting with flavor? If you are looking for a flavor, look no
How do I make hot honey chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make hot honey chicken? How do you make a simple batter for chicken? If you’re frying a Chicken Breast, you will fry it up until it’s golden brown and crispy. What’s the best way to serve chicken in a honey glaze? What is the beauty of this method is how it creates that perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on outside, and the hot honey glaze adds the flavor. What is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice? Is there a simple process to do?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What are some of
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I love chicken breasts, but I also like chicken thighs. They are great for tenderness and flavor. I like to eat them on their own. How do I adjust cooking time?
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This creates the perfect crispy coating. If you use gluten-free flour, the texture might be different.
- What is the best way to add garlic powder to a batter?
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken and gives the batter a better adhesion. I’ve used almond milk with lemon juice as a substitute, and it works great!
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter together.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken.
How do I make hot honey glaze?
- 1/2 cup honey: The base of our sweet and spicy glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- How do you control the heat of hot sauce? I usually use sriracha or Franks Red Hot, but feel free to experiment.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For an extra kick of heat and visual appeal.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
How do you pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels? What are some good ways to season a potato with salt and pepper? If you’re cooking in a large skillet or pot, you will need to use sandpaper towels.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps – you want a smooth, even coating.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Set aside. This mixture will help the flour adhere to the chicken and create a crispy crust.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
How do you dip chicken in buttermilk and flour? Is it fully coated? Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. I like to do this in batches to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. When a small piece of batter sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Should the internal temperature reach 165°F?
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is frying, make the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, butter, APPLE CIDER vinegar, hot sauce, and red pepper. Set aside. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the heat level as desired.
Step 7: Toss the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on the prepared cooling rack. Drain excess oil. Then, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over it. Toss to coat evenly, making sure every piece of chicken is glistening with that sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve hot honey chicken immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. What is the best way to serve this dish? Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or honey if desired. What is best enjoyed fresh?
What to Serve It With
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
- For a Classic Comfort Meal: Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite green vegetable, like steamed broccoli or green beans. The creamy mashed potatoes and crisp vegetables balance the richness of the chicken perfectly.
- For a Casual Gathering: Serve it in sliders or sandwiches with coleslaw and pickles. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
- For a Spicy Fiesta: Serve it over rice with black beans, corn, and avocado. Drizzle with a little extra hot sauce for an extra kick.
- For a Brunch Extravaganza: Serve it on top of waffles or pancakes with a side of fruit and maple syrup. This sweet and savory combination is simply divine!
My family loves it with cornbread and a simple salad. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these sides. Just pick your favorite and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and I’m excited to share my top tips with you. These are the little things that make a big difference!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the chicken in batches is crucial for maintaining the oil temperature and ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken.
- Control the Heat: The amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes you add to the glaze is entirely up to you. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Use a Thermometer: The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reaches 165°F.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it and gives the batter a better adhesion. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Make the Glaze Ahead of Time: The hot honey glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before tossing with the chicken.
- Keep it Warm: To keep the chicken warm while you’re frying the remaining batches, place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F.
I’ve also found that using a cast iron skillet makes a huge difference in the crispiness of the chicken. It distributes heat evenly and retains heat well. Just be sure to let it heat up completely before adding the chicken.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerating: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan on storing the chicken, it’s best to store it separately from the hot honey glaze. This will prevent the chicken from getting soggy. Simply reheat the glaze and toss the chicken in it before serving.
I’ve tried reheating it in the air fryer, and it works really well! It helps to restore some of the crispiness. Just be sure to spray it with a little oil before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress, look no further! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other chicken recipes for more delicious inspiration. I’ve got a Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken that’s amazing, and a super simple Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken that’s always a hit. Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken: 7 Simple Steps for a Sweet and Spicy Feast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour For dredging
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil For frying
Hot Honey Sauce
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Hot sauce Such as Frank's RedHot
- 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional, for extra heat
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the hot honey sauce. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
