Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken

Published: April 2, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This hot honey-glazed fried chicken is easy to make, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner
The sweet and spicy flavor profile will tantalize your taste buds like nothing else
Its golden-brown appearance makes it an Instagram-worthy dish that will wow your guests
Versatile enough to enjoy on its own or paired with your favorite sides, it’s a meal for any occasion

I still remember the first time I made this masterpiece my friends couldn’t stop raving about it It was a glorious day filled with laughter and finger-licking fun.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are my go-to for juiciness they stay tender even after frying.
Buttermilk: Use full-fat buttermilk to ensure the chicken marinates beautifully and becomes super tender.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for breading that creates the perfect crispy shell.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that elevates every bite to new heights.
Cayenne Pepper: Use it sparingly if you’re not into too much heat it adds just the right kick.
Hot Honey: You can find it at most stores or make your own by mixing honey with red pepper flakes.
Vegetable Oil: For frying choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Marinate the Chicken: First things first, combine boneless chicken thighs with buttermilk in a bowl. Let them soak in the creamy goodness for at least two hours overnight is even better.

Prepare the Breading Station: In another bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour will add tons of flavor to your chicken.

Dredge the Chicken: Take each marinated piece of chicken and coat it generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour we want crispiness without overwhelming crunch.

Heat the Oil : In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge half of the chicken pieces. Heat until shimmering but not smoking about 350°F (175°C) should do

Fry until Golden Brown : Carefully add chicken pieces into hot oil without crowding. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).

Add Hot Honey Glaze : Once fried and crispy, drizzle hot honey over each piece while still warm. The heat from the chicken will help set that sweet glaze perfectly

With every step taken toward creating this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken dish, you’ll find yourself drooling just thinking about that first bite crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside Whether you serve this at your next gathering or enjoy it during movie night at home, I promise you’re going to love it

You Must Know

Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is not just about taste it’s a delightful blend of sweet and spicy
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a family favorite with its crispy texture and unique flavor profile

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours this enhances flavor. While marinating, prepare your frying station to ensure a seamless cooking process.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the honey for maple syrup or add chili flakes for extra heat. Personalize the spice blend according to your taste preferences for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through to maintain crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption, ensuring every bite bursts with goodness
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F while frying to achieve that perfect golden crust
Let the fried chicken rest on a cooling rack, preventing sogginess and preserving crunchiness

Sharing my first experience making Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken always brings a smile my friends devoured it within minutes, leaving me proud and slightly competitive about my culinary skills.

FAQs

FAQ

What is Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken?

It’s crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze absolute bliss

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but remember to thaw it fully before marinating for best results.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce or use mild chili powder instead of cayenne.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card