If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than hot honey chicken. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with tender crispy chicken coated in a mouthwatering hot honey glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken combines the irresistible flavors of crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze that coats each piece. The dish is bold yet balanced, with the honey’s sweetness offset by the heat of chili flakes or hot sauce. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, hot honey chicken is always a hit.

This recipe works well as a main dish, paired with side options like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or even rice. It’s versatile enough to be served for a casual weeknight meal or as a fun party dish.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

To make the best hot honey chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (you can also use chicken breasts if preferred)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite brand)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hot Honey Chicken

Making hot honey chicken at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these easy steps to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy with the ideal blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken. For this hot honey chicken recipe, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks or breasts depending on your preference. Thighs and drumsticks offer more flavor due to their higher fat content, while breasts provide a leaner option.

• Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.

2. Coat the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, ensuring a crispy, crunchy texture once fried.

3. Fry the Chicken

Frying is the key to achieving that classic crispy texture in hot honey chicken. You’ll want to heat the oil to the correct temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover about half of the chicken pieces.
• Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from frying properly.
• Fry each piece for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

How to Make the Hot Honey Sauce

The secret to great hot honey chicken lies in the sauce. The combination of honey, hot sauce and red pepper flakes creates a sticky, spicy glaze that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

1. Combine the Ingredients

• In a small saucepan, add the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar and garlic powder.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the honey from burning.

2. Add Butter for a Smooth Finish

Once the sauce has reached a smooth, glossy consistency, stir in the butter. This adds richness to the sauce, making it even more indulgent and delicious. Remove the sauce from heat once the butter is fully melted and incorporated.

3. Toss the Chicken in Hot Honey Sauce

Now that both the chicken and hot honey sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

• Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Toss the chicken gently to ensure even coverage.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a great complement to the crispy, spicy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli offer a healthy, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain dish helps balance the heat from the hot honey sauce.
• Cornbread or Biscuits: The sweetness of cornbread or the buttery goodness of biscuits works well with the sweet and spicy profile of the chicken.

You can also serve hot honey chicken on its own as an appetizer or snack for game days or parties.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

To ensure your hot honey chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind;

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor

While boneless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in thighs and drumsticks provide more flavor and moisture. They also hold up better during frying, resulting in a juicier bite.

2. Don’t Skip the Double Coating

Double-coating the chicken in flour helps create an extra-crispy crust. It’s this crispy texture that makes hot honey chicken so satisfying.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer a milder version of hot honey chicken, reduce the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the glaze. Alternatively, if you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more!

4. Keep the Oil Temperature Steady

Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for frying chicken. If the oil gets too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will become greasy.

5. Make the Sauce in Advance

The hot honey sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat it gently before tossing it with the chicken.

Variations of Hot Honey Chicken

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

1. Baked Hot Honey Chicken

For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the chicken on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious with the hot honey sauce.

2. Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Fire up the grill for a smoky twist on hot honey chicken. Grill the chicken pieces until they’re cooked through, then brush them with the hot honey glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

3. Hot Honey Chicken Wings

For a finger-licking appetizer, swap out the chicken thighs for wings. Follow the same frying process, then toss the wings in the hot honey sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Storing and Reheating Hot Honey Chicken

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your hot honey chicken:

• Storing: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

This hot honey chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a bold, sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a versatile dish that can be served for dinner, game day or any special occasion. The balance of flavors makes it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.