Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken

Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its sweet and spicy twist. Picture crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces, coated in a luscious glaze that dances between the realms of savory and sweet. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will lure even the most reluctant eaters to the dinner table.

Growing up, fried chicken was a staple at every family gathering. I remember my grandmother whipping up her secret recipe, making the kitchen feel like home. Now, I’ve added my twist with a hot honey glaze for those special occasions when you want to impress your friends or spice up a casual dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Each bite of Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is an explosion of flavor that balances heat and sweetness
  • The preparation is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
  • Visually stunning with its shiny glaze, it’s sure to be the star of any meal
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a party appetizer

I once made this dish for a potluck, and it vanished faster than I could say “Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken.” The rave reviews still echo in my mind

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and hold up well during frying.
  • Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer while adding a rich flavor let chicken soak for at least an hour.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For dredging it gives the chicken that irresistible crispy coating.
  • Cornstarch: This secret ingredient enhances the crunch factor trust me on this one.
  • Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand it adds heat without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
  • Honey: The star of our glaze opt for raw honey for a more robust flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds depth I recommend using this instead of regular paprika for that smoky edge.
  • Garlic Powder: Use fresh garlic if you prefer it adds aromatic complexity to the chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings don’t skimp on these to enhance overall flavors.
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Soak your chicken thighs in this mixture for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend is where the magic begins it’s all about that crispy crust.

Dredge the Chicken Thighs: Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess liquid. Dredge each piece thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.

Heat the Oil for Frying: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour vegetable oil until it’s about 1 inch deep. Heat until shimmering but not smoking around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place chicken thighs in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While chicken fries, combine honey, additional hot sauce (to taste), and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Stir until well combined.

Now that you’re ready to savor every bite of Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, serve immediately while it’s crispy and still warm Enjoy with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for an unforgettable meal experience.

You Must Know

  • Hot honey-glazed fried chicken is a game-changer for flavor the spicy-sweet combo elevates your meal
  • Crispy skin meets juicy meat, creating a textural symphony
  • Pair it with refreshing sides for a perfect balance and watch your guests come back for seconds

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices overnight, then fry until golden brown and crispy. This ensures maximum flavor infusion while keeping the chicken tender.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Want to spice things up? Swap out regular honey for flavored options like chili or pineapple honey for an exciting twist. Add fresh herbs or citrus zest to brighten the dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover hot honey-glazed fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • The secret to crispy fried chicken lies in maintaining oil temperature too low and it gets soggy
  • Use a thermometer to check that it’s around 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Resting the chicken after frying helps flavors meld beautifully, making each bite irresistible

Cooking this recipe reminds me of the first family barbecue where we discovered everyone loves sweet heat it was an unforgettable hit

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with hot honey-glazed fried chicken?

Serve it with coleslaw, cornbread, or pickles for a delightful meal combination.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least four hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.

Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?

Yes, air frying is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy results without excess oil.

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Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken


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  • Author: Ann Foster
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s sure to impress. This dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. The easy preparation process makes it accessible for everyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor, promising to become a new staple in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs and soak for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Prepare the flour mixture: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  4. Heat oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour vegetable oil until about 1 inch deep. Heat until shimmering (around 350°F).
  5. Fry the chicken: Cook chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  6. Make the glaze: While frying, combine honey and additional hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
  7. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 pieces (approximately 200g)
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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Ann Foster

Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Ann Foster! Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, I found my passion for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I traveled across the country exploring new flavors and cooking techniques. This website is my passion project—where I share delicious recipes meant to bring people together, one meal at a time. Welcome to my culinary journey!

Chef Ann