Crispy Hot Honey Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Homemade Recipe
Buttermilk soak and double dredge yield a dish with addictive crunch and rich flavor.
nn
Hot honey chicken is the perfect marriage of crispy fried chicken and a drizzle of sweet-spicy honey that clings to every crunchy nook. This dish delivers an unbeatable combination of texture and bold flavor, making it a showstopping main course for family dinners, parties, or a special game day spread.
nn
Table of Contents
n
- n
- About Hot Honey Chicken
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for the Perfect Crunch
- Hot Honey Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More Chicken Favorites
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
nn
About Hot Honey Chicken
n
Hot honey chicken brings together two beloved favorites: crispy, juicy chicken tenders and a sticky-sweet honey sauce spiked with just the right amount of heat. This dish owes its popularity to its craveable contrasts:
n
- n
- Crunchy exterior from a seasoned flour and cornstarch coating, expertly fried for golden perfection.
- Moist, flavorful meat thanks to a simple buttermilk marinade that tenderizes every bite.
- Signature hot honey drizzle blending real honey, hot sauce, and cayenne for a sweet, fiery kick.
- Perfect for sharing or solo feasts, hot honey chicken is as at home at a party as it is on a weeknight dinner table.
n
n
n
n
nn
Ingredients
nn
Here’s what you’ll need to make perfectly crispy hot honey chicken at home:
nn
For the Marinade
n
- n
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
n
n
n
n
nn
For the Dredge
n
- n
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
nn
For the Hot Honey
n
- n
- 2 1/2 cups honey
- 5 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
n
n
n
n
nn
For Frying
n
- n
- Vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
- Kosher salt, for sprinkling
n
n
nn
Step-by-Step Instructions
nn
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
n
In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk, salt, and pepper together. Add the chicken tenders, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This step infuses flavor and keeps the chicken juicy during frying.
nn
Step 2: Prep the Dredge
n
As the chicken marinates, prepare two bowls for dredging:
n
- n
- Bowl 1: Whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, baking powder, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat eggs with hot sauce and a couple teaspoons of water.
n
n
nn
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
n
Set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour mixture. Transfer to the rack and repeat for all pieces. Let the coated chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to help the crust set.
What others are reading
nn
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey
n
Combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, warming and infusing for about 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly—the sauce will thicken as it sits.
nn
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
n
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Heat about 1/2 inch vegetable oil (or shortening) in a large deep skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-high. Fry chicken in batches—about 3 minutes per side—until golden and crisp. Drain each batch on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt. Keep finished batches warm in the oven.
nn
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
n
Once all chicken is fried and crisp, generously drizzle with hot honey—about 1 cup per side. Reserve the remaining hot honey for dipping at the table.
nn
Tips for the Perfect Crunch
n
- n
- Double dredging ensures a thick, textured crust that holds up to the honey drizzle.
- Cornstarch in the coating adds lightness and extra crispness.
- Letting the breaded chicken rest at room temperature before frying helps the coating adhere and crisp properly.
- A hot oil temperature (350–375°F) is essential for even frying—use a thermometer to check.
- Drain fried chicken on a rack, not paper towels, to prevent sogginess from steam.
- Keep fried chicken warm in a low oven (around 325°F) while batch frying to preserve crunch.
n
n
n
n
n
n
nn
Hot Honey Variations
nn
The hot honey in this recipe is customizable—try these ideas for a personal touch:
n
- n
- Fruit-Infused: Add a slice of fresh orange or lemon to the honey as it warms for a citrusy aroma.
- Herbaceous: Drop in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary while infusing for earthy undertones.
- Mild to Wild: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control the heat level; for a milder sauce, reduce the amounts or use a milder hot sauce.
- Smoky Heat: Substitute smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the dredge or honey for deeper smoky flavor.
n
n
n
n
nn
Serving Suggestions
n
While hot honey chicken is a star on its own, here are a few serving ideas:
n
- n
- Classic Plate: Serve with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or pickles.
- Sandwich: Stack tenders on toasted buns with crunchy slaw for a spicy sandwich.
- Game Day Platter: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, and fresh veggies for dipping.
- Summery Salad: Slice and serve over greens with a light vinaigrette.
n
n
n
n
nn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
nn
Q: Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of tenders?
n
A: Yes, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work well. Cut into strips if needed, and adjust cook time—thighs may take a minute or two longer to fry than tenders.
nn
Q: How spicy is the hot honey?
n
A: The recipe offers a balanced heat, but you can tailor the spice level by changing the amount of cayenne or hot sauce. For less heat, start with half the suggested cayenne.
nn
Q: Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
n
A: For a lighter version, arrange breaded chicken on a rack over a baking sheet. Mist with oil spray and bake at 400°F until golden and cooked through (about 18–22 minutes), flipping halfway.
nn
Q: Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
n
A: Absolutely. Prepare up to a week in advance and store in an airtight jar. Warm slightly before serving so it’s easy to drizzle.
nn
Q: What oil is best for frying?
n
A: Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for the crispiest, least oily results.
nn
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
n
A: Re-crisp leftover chicken in a 375°F oven on a rack for 10–12 minutes. Drizzle with reserved hot honey before serving.
nn
More Chicken Favorites
n
| Recipe | Standout Feature |
|---|---|
| Chicken Parmesan Sliders | Cheesy, saucy sliders perfect for game day |
| 3-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip | Quick, spicy, and always a crowd-pleaser |
| Chicken Tortellini Soup | One-pot comfort packed with pasta |
| Chicken Noodle Casserole | Cozy layers of noodles and creamy chicken |
| Chicken Schnitzel | Crispy, golden, and ready in under 40 minutes |
| Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza | The best of salad and pizza in every slice |
| Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken | Fresh flavors, all baked on one pan |
nn
Bring the Heat Home
n
Making crispy hot honey chicken in your own kitchen isn’t just possible—it’s rewarding and fun. With a few easy techniques, you’ll turn out golden-crunchy chicken packed with flavor and topped with a mouthwatering sweet-heat glaze. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or craving a unique twist on classic fried chicken, this recipe is your golden ticket to a memorable meal.
n
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63541779/hot-honey-chicken-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64444717/honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe/
- https://www.aol.com/rees-hot-honey-chicken-tenders-150000087.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64339264/grilled-chicken-sandwich-with-hot-honey-and-bacon-recipe/
- https://www.aol.com/top-ree-drummonds-grilled-chicken-125300417.html
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
