Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become a total staple in our house: Hot Honey Chicken. Seriously, if you’re anything like me and love a good sweet and savory combo, this one is going to rock your world. Think of it as the cooler, edgier cousin of classic Honey Garlic chicken. It’s got that same comforting sweetness, but with a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds. I promise you, the first bite will have you hooked. I made this for a potluck last week and it was gone in 15 minutes flat – definitely a good sign!
What is hot honey chicken?
What is hot honey chicken? It’s essentially crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sticky glaze made with honey. The glaze is made from chicken bones, and the chicken is grilled to perfection. What is your favorite hot sauce? What is a flavor explosion in your mouth? The honey gives you that familiar sweetness, while the hot sauce brings the heat. How does vinegar balance everything out, keeping it from being cloying? Can you use Chicken Breasts, thighs, or even wings for this – whatever you prefer! Is it all about customizing it to your own taste? Is it that good?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways why you’re going to absolutely adore this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor. Oh, the flavor! The combination of sweet honey, spicy heat from the hot sauce, and a touch of tanginess is truly addictive. It’s like a party in your mouth! What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. You can whip this up on a busy weeknight with minimal effort. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights, especially since my kids ask for this all the time.
What is the best thing about it? Chicken is a good protein for the budget. The other ingredients are pantry staples. What are some of the things that you have on hand? What are some of the best uses for a tomato sauce? You can serve it over rice, noodles, tacos, or even on salad. What is your secret weapon in the kitchen? I swear, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
How do I make hot chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make hot honey chicken? How do I make a quick and easy chicken wing? After that, you’ll fry it up until golden brown and crispy. While the chicken is frying, you’ll whip up the irresistible honey glaze. What do you serve with the Crispy Chicken in the glaze? What’s the best part about pie? If you have a pantry, you probably already have most of the ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. I always prefer chicken thighs for the tenderness, but breasts work just as well.
* 1 cup all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
* 1/2 cup cornstarch. This is key for achieving that extra crispy texture.
* 1 teaspoon salt. Good ol’ kosher salt is my go-to.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a nice savory note.
* 1 teaspoon paprika. For a touch of color and flavor.
* 1 cup buttermilk. This helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a nice tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* Oil for frying. I like to use vegetable oil or canola oil because they have a high smoke point.
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
* 1/2 cup honey. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
* 1/4 cup hot sauce. Use your favorite hot sauce! I personally love Frank’s RedHot, but you can use anything from sriracha to habanero sauce, depending on your spice preference.
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. This adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness and heat perfectly.
* 1 tablespoon butter. This gives the glaze a nice richness and shine.
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. For an extra kick of heat! (Optional, of course.)
How do I follow
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
What are the best ways to cut chicken into bite-sized pieces? How do you get crispy when frying? What is the best way to remove excess moisture from your skin?
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Then, pour the buttermilk over the chicken and toss again. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcook. To overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is frying, make the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, rice vinegar, butter, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth and creamy. How long will it take to thicken the sauce?
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done frying, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. If you’re making a fried chicken, toss it in the honey glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy! I like to sprinkle mine with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately. What is the best way to eat chicken when it’s freshly fried and the glaze is still sticky and warm?
What should I serve it with?
Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and goes well with so many different things! What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
Over Rice:Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. I love it with jasmine rice, which has a delicate floral aroma that complements the rice. How sweet is honey?
With Noodles:If you like ramen, udon, or soba noodles, toss it with your favorite noodles. Add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
In Tacos:Use it as a filling for tacos. Top with shredded cabbage, pickled onions, and a drizzle of Sour Cream. My kids love this option!
On a Salad:Add it to a salad for protein-packed and flavorful meal. What goes well with a salad with greens, crunchy vegetables, and tangy spices?
As an Appetizer: InServe on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. What’s a good dipping sauce to serve with grilled chicken?
My family tradition is to serve this with a side of Roasted Broccoli – the slight bitterness of the broccoli. How does broccoli balance sweetness and spice? Is it a win-win?
How do I cook a hot chicken?
How can I make sure my Hot Honey Chicken is perfect every time? What are some of my top tips?
Don’t overcrowd the pan!When frying chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Why is the temperature of the chicken lower in the pan? Fry in batches for the best results.
What is a thermometer? Use a thermometer to make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
Don’t overcook a chicken. DonOvercooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. I use this all the time!
How do you adjust the heat to your drink?If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. What are some ways to use red pepper flakes in a hot sauce? If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce or use a hotter sauce.
Get creative with the Glaze: What is the best way to createWhat are some variations on the honey glaze? Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor, and lemon juice for brightness, or both. Is ginger good for warmth? I even tested this with a bit of orange zest and it was amazing!
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. You can swap honey with agave or maple syrup. Just note that it may affect the overall flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating your Hot Honey Chicken:
Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave the chicken out for more than two hours. If it’s a particularly warm day, reduce that time even further.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The glaze may become a bit sticky, but the flavor will still be delicious. The key is a good container!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge.
Reheating: To reheat, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it may not be as crispy. For the best results, I recommend reheating it in an Air Fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on storing the chicken, it’s best to glaze it right before serving. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. Though, in my experience, it tastes great no matter what!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Hot Honey Chicken! I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone who loves a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress, this is it. Try it with our honey-Lime Shrimp recipe for a unique pairing. Let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear about your variations and any tips you discover along the way. Happy cooking, friends!
Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Hot honey
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Pour hot honey over chicken and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
