Hot Honey Chicken Recipe & Instructions

Hot Honey Chicken Recipe & Instructions 🍗🔥🍯

Hot Honey Chicken is a crispy, juicy, spicy-sweet dish that combines crispy fried or baked chicken with a spicy honey drizzle. This perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes it irresistibly flavorful and a crowd-favorite for weeknight dinners, game days, or special occasions!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or your favorite)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

For Frying/Baking:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying (if frying)
• Cooking spray (if baking or air frying)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.
4. Set the coated chicken on a wire rack for 10 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

🔹 Option 1: Deep Frying (For Maximum Crispiness)

1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes per side (until golden brown and cooked through).
3. Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.

🔹 Option 2: Baking (Healthier Alternative)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack.
3. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

🔹 Option 3: Air Frying (Crispy & Light!)

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, butter, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until well combined.

Step 5: Drizzle & Serve

1. Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken.
2. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
3. Serve immediately with coleslaw, cornbread, or pickles!

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken

✔ Marinate the chicken overnight for the juiciest texture and best flavor.
✔ Use cornstarch in the breading for extra crispiness.
✔ Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes.
✔ Drizzle the hot honey just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
✔ Pair with waffles for a Southern-style Hot Honey Chicken & Waffles twist!