Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Hot honey chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step to make this delicious dish, inspired by the video tutorial.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this irresistible hot honey chicken, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or wings (bone-in or boneless, as per preference)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This step ensures juicy and tender chicken.

2. Prepare the Coating

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated.

3. Fry the Chicken

• Heat cooking oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for 8–12 minutes, depending on the size, until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

• In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes.
• Heat over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors blend perfectly.

5. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

• Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over them and toss until each piece is coated evenly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot honey chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a classic comfort meal.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips for Success

• Marinate Longer: For extra tender chicken, marinate overnight in the fridge.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
• Crispier Chicken: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack for better airflow.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

3. Is the sauce too spicy for kids?
You can reduce or omit the hot sauce to make the dish more kid-friendly.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or wings?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.5. What other dishes pair well with hot honey chicken?
Try serving it with a fresh green salad, mac and cheese, or even waffles for a fun twist.

Enjoy your flavorful hot honey chicken!