Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Perfectly Irresistible

Hot honey chicken is a recipe that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a standout dish for a special occasion, this recipe offers the versatility and deliciousness to suit any setting. By combining tender, flavorful chicken with a luscious hot honey glaze, you’ll create a dish that is as addictive as it is easy to prepare.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from marinating the chicken to preparing the hot honey sauce and everything in between. By the end, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step plan to create your own hot honey chicken masterpiece.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s first review the ingredients. It’s always a good idea to gather everything ahead of time to keep the preparation smooth and stress-free.

For the Chicken:

Chicken: 2 pounds of your preferred cut (thighs, wings, drumsticks, or breasts)
Buttermilk: 2 cups (key for tenderizing the chicken)
Flour: 2 cups (all-purpose is ideal)
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (to add extra crispiness)
Eggs: 2 large, beaten
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Cooking oil: for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

Honey: 1/2 cup
Hot sauce: 1/4 cup (your favorite variety; cayenne-based or sriracha work well)
Butter: 2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, for an extra kick)
Salt: a pinch

These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, but don’t hesitate to adjust based on your personal preferences.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

The first step in making hot honey chicken is preparing your chicken for cooking. Taking the time to properly marinate and coat the chicken ensures the final dish is tender, flavorful, and crispy.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag.
Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the buttermilk for an extra layer of flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight.

Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth.

Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Next, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. For an ultra-crispy crust, you can repeat the egg and flour dredging process.

2. Cooking the Chicken

Cooking the chicken is a critical step, as the right technique ensures it’s both juicy and crispy. You can fry or bake the chicken depending on your preference.

Frying Method

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway.
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and stay crispy.
Fry each piece for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Baking Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Spray or brush the chicken lightly with oil to encourage browning.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.

3. Making the Hot Honey Sauce

The hot honey sauce is the star of the dish, delivering a sweet and spicy punch that elevates the flavor profile. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce.

Steps to Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined.
Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or chili flakes if desired. For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce or a milder variety.
Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.

4. Glazing the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine the two for the final result.

How to Glaze the Chicken

Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
If you prefer, use a brush to apply additional sauce for an extra-sticky finish.

Serving Suggestions

Hot honey chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Buttermilk Biscuits: Their flaky, buttery texture complements the sweet and spicy chicken.
Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy slaw balances the heat of the sauce.
Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is a classic Southern pairing.
Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy, they provide a comforting contrast.
Pickles: The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes add a healthy and flavorful touch.

Tips for Customization

One of the best things about hot honey chicken is how easy it is to customize. With a few tweaks, you can adjust the flavor profile to suit your taste:

For Extra Heat: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount of chili flakes in the sauce.
For a milder dish: Use a milder hot sauce and reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Try Different Sauces: Experiment with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or teriyaki glaze for a new twist.
Honey Substitutes: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigeration: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Why Hot Honey Chicken is a Must-Try

Hot honey chicken isn’t just another fried chicken recipe. It’s a dish that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. The balance of sweet honey and spicy heat creates a flavor profile that’s universally appealing, while the crispy coating adds a delightful crunch.

FAQs

What is honey hot sauce made of?

Honey hot sauce is usually made with a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy ingredients, making it both flavorful and versatile. At its core, it contains honey for natural sweetness and hot sauce or chili peppers for a bold kick. Additionally, it often includes vinegar to add a tangy note, along with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne to deepen the flavor. Sometimes, a dash of salt or a splash of lemon juice is added to balance everything perfectly. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s both exciting and easy to use.

Do you put hot honey on chicken before or after cooking?

When it comes to hot honey and chicken, it’s generally better to drizzle the hot honey after the chicken is fully cooked. This approach not only prevents the honey from burning during cooking but also keeps its rich sweetness and spicy kick intact. As soon as the chicken is fresh off the grill, skillet, or oven, you can drizzle the hot honey to create a delicious glaze that clings to the surface. Plus, serving extra hot honey on the side for dipping makes it even more enjoyable. By adding it afterward, you’ll ensure every bite is full of flavor.

What is honey chicken sauce made of?

Honey chicken sauce combines sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients for a flavorful result. The base typically includes honey for sweetness and soy sauce or tamari for a savory, umami-rich flavor. Garlic and ginger add depth, while rice vinegar or lemon juice brings a slight tang. Cornstarch or flour thickens the sauce, and chicken broth or water adjusts the consistency. Sesame oil or seeds often contribute a hint of nuttiness, tying everything together into a delightful finish.

What is the secret to moist chicken breast?

The secret to moist chicken breast lies in a few essential steps that make all the difference. To begin with, brining the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and sometimes sugar for at least 30 minutes helps retain its natural moisture. Cooking at the right temperature is equally important, as high heat can dry out the meat quickly—aim for medium heat and monitor with a meat thermometer until it reaches 165°F (74°C). After cooking, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute. Lastly, methods like marinating, using foil covers, or even cooking in a sauce can keep the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.

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Conclusion

Making hot honey chicken at home is an easy and rewarding process that results in a dish bursting with flavor. Whether you fry or bake the chicken, the combination of tender meat, crispy coating, and spicy-sweet glaze is simply irresistible. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the sweet heat of homemade hot honey chicken! It’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.