If you have been craving something that perfectly balances the spicy kick of chili with the sweet comfort of honey, then this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky glaze that dances with heat and sweetness, this dish will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple meal into a celebration, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe just right means having a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for frying and ready to soak up all the bold flavors.
- All-purpose flour: This creates a crisp crust that locks in the chicken’s moisture during frying.
- Hot sauce: Your favorite brand adds a punch of heat in the marinade and the glaze, making every bite exciting.
- Honey (preferably raw): Raw honey adds natural sweetness and richness to balance the spicy glaze beautifully.
- Garlic powder: A little garlic magic that deepens the savory profile of the fries coating.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and bring out the flavor in every bite.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture without overwhelming the flavors.
- Sriracha (or any hot sauce): Adds complexity and extra heat to the glaze.
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the glaze, cutting through the sweetness with a refreshing zing.
How to Make Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, make sure your chicken thighs are properly dried with paper towels. This step is key because it helps the flour mixture stick evenly, ensuring that perfect crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, mix together your all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is going to give your chicken that savory, aromatic crust we all crave. Dredge each piece of chicken in this mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Take a deep skillet and pour in your vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high until it begins to shimmer. The oil needs to be hot enough so the chicken fries quickly and crisply without soaking up too much oil.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The result is crispy, juicy fried chicken you’ll want to devour immediately.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken fries, combine honey, your favorite hot sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and let it thicken just slightly. This glaze is where the magic happens—a luscious balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked and drained of excess oil, drizzle the warm hot honey glaze over the pieces right away. The glaze will stick beautifully when the chicken is still warm, creating a sticky, flavorful finish that makes this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a pop of color and subtle extra flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side can add a burst of citrus to brighten the bite whenever you want.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with comforting classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. For a fresh counterpoint, try a crisp cabbage slaw tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by serving your Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe atop warm waffles for an unforgettable sweet-and-spicy brunch. Alternatively, pile it onto a soft sandwich bun with pickles and mayo for a crowd-pleasing spicy chicken sandwich that everyone will be talking about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your delicious chicken has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much of their crispy texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze the fried chicken for longer storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to freeze before glazing for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that crispy crust, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you froze the chicken beforehand, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Drizzle with fresh hot honey glaze just before serving for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more forgiving during frying, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook to keep them tender and juicy.
What kind of hot sauce works best for the glaze?
Any hot sauce you enjoy will do, but sriracha or a cayenne-based sauce blends beautifully in this recipe. They add vibrant flavor and the right level of heat without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe offers a balanced heat; the honey mellows the spiciness and adds sweetness. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your heat tolerance, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even rice flour for a crispier texture. Just ensure your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best oil for frying this chicken?
Vegetable oil is great for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other good options include canola oil or peanut oil, both of which handle high heat well and result in crispy, flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy that is sure to impress your family or guests. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
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Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A crispy, golden-brown fried chicken thigh recipe enhanced with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This dish combines the richness of fried chicken with a deliciously tangy and spicy honey sauce, perfect for a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw)
- 2 tsp hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or any hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better and ensures crispiness during frying.
- Coat the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken fries, combine honey, 2 tsp hot sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the hot honey glaze over the chicken thighs to coat them generously.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to achieve evenly crispy chicken without burning.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce and sriracha in the glaze to suit your heat preference.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for food safety.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
