If you are craving that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and crispy, this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to indulgence. Imagine juicy chicken thighs with a golden, crunchy crust, kissed by a luscious glaze that combines fiery hot sauce with floral honey and a hint of tangy lemon. It’s comfort food with a flavorful twist that’s simple to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for a weekday dinner or sharing with friends on the weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one adds an important layer that builds the ultimate flavor and texture combination in your Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe. From the flour giving you that irresistible crispy coating, to the honey and hot sauce creating that addictive glaze, every element has a job that makes this dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist during frying.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the crispy crust that locks in flavor and texture.
- Hot sauce (your favorite brand): Adds a punch of heat that brightens the glaze and the dredge.
- Honey (preferably raw): Sweetens the dish naturally and offers a beautiful glossy finish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth, complementing the spicy and sweet notes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken through and through.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, it provides a neutral base for that crispy golden crust.
- Sriracha (or any hot sauce): Bolsters the spicy heat in the glaze with layers of flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright citrus tang that lifts the glaze and cuts through the richness.
How to Make Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is crucial to getting that crispy crust rather than soggy coating. The drier the surface, the better the flour mixture sticks and fries up beautifully golden.
Step 2: Coat with the Flour Mixture
Mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly until evenly coated. This seasoned flour will create that perfect crunchy exterior as it fries.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry the Chicken
Warm up your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the oil and fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden brown finish and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re cooked perfectly through.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While your chicken fries, combine the honey, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture gently until it slightly thickens. This glaze brings together the spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that make this recipe a standout.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once fried chicken thighs are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the hot honey glaze over the chicken, allowing it to soak in deliciously and form a sticky, irresistible coating.
How to Serve Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich glaze. You can also add a little extra drizzle of honey or a few chili flakes for visual appeal and an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or even a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For something heartier, serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of dipping sauces—maybe ranch or blue cheese. Alternatively, turn it into a delicious sandwich by layering the glazed chicken on a soft brioche bun with pickles and lettuce for a satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hot honey-glazed fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to three days and is just as tasty when reheated, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each fried chicken thigh tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chicken in an oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the glaze sticky. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used but they tend to be less juicy than thighs. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster.
How spicy is this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe?
The level of spice is balanced thanks to the honey’s sweetness, but you can always adjust the amount of hot sauce and sriracha to suit your heat tolerance.
What other types of honey work well in this recipe?
Raw honey is preferred because of its robust flavor and natural sweetness, but you can experiment with clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honeys for subtle differences.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative! Coat the chicken as directed and bake at 425°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe holds up well in the fridge and makes for a satisfying protein option in meal prep containers throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the combination of crispy chicken and that irresistible hot honey glaze will keep you coming back for more. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients and a bit of love can create something so delicious!
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Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A spicy and sweet recipe featuring crispy fried chicken thighs glazed with a homemade hot honey sauce. This dish combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a flavorful, slightly thickened glaze made from honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice, creating a deliciously balanced meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw)
- 2 tsp hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or any hot sauce)
For Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture ensuring a crispy coating later.
- Mix coating ingredients: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot but not smoking.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the hot honey glaze: While chicken fries, combine honey, 2 tsp hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently until mixture slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Glaze the chicken: Remove fried chicken from oil and immediately drizzle with the warm hot honey glaze while they are still warm for maximum flavor absorption.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature and chicken’s internal temperature for safe cooking.
- The hot honey glaze can be adjusted in spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce used.
- Leftover glazed chicken can be reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
