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To make hot honey fried chicken, you need a few key items. Here’s the list: - 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - Vegetable oil for frying These main ingredients bring flavor and texture to your dish. The chicken thighs give you juicy meat and crispy skin. Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and adds taste. Hot sauce adds a kick, while flour creates that crunchy coating. Next, we add some seasoning to boost flavor. You’ll need: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste These spices mix well with the flour. They add depth to the chicken and make each bite exciting. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder! If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider these optional ingredients: - 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust for heat level) Adding red pepper flakes to the hot honey glaze gives your dish an extra punch. You can control how spicy you want it. This way, you can make the chicken as hot as you like. For the full details on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy cooking and impress your friends with this flavorful meal! Start by mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. This mix adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl, covering them fully. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best taste. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the dry ingredients blend well. This mixture gives the chicken a crispy, tasty crust. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet. Get the oil hot, aiming for 350°F (175°C). Carefully take the chicken thighs from the buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off, then dredge each thigh in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken for a thick coating. Fry the chicken, skin-side down, for 7-10 minutes on each side. Look for a deep golden color and an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed to keep the oil hot. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes to your liking. This adds a sweet and spicy twist. Let it warm for a few minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove it from the heat. Once the chicken is crispy, place it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up oil. While the chicken is warm, drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy the blend of crunch and sweet heat! To make your hot honey fried chicken crispy, follow a few key steps. First, marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This adds moisture and helps the coating stick. The flour mixture should be seasoned well. Use garlic powder and smoked paprika for flavor. Make sure to coat each piece well. Press the flour onto the chicken to form a thick layer. Fry at the right temperature of 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will not crisp up. Cook in batches to keep the oil hot. Spice levels can vary based on your taste. Start with the basic hot sauce in the marinade. If you like more heat, add extra cayenne to the flour mix. For the hot honey, add red pepper flakes to your liking. You can make it sweet or spicy. Always test a small piece to see if it meets your heat preference. Adjust the ingredients as you go. Oil choice is key for frying chicken. Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for high smoke points. These oils can hold up to the heat needed for frying. Avoid using olive oil, as it burns easily. Fill your pan with enough oil, about 2 inches deep. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Always check the oil temperature with a thermometer. Hot oil gives you that perfect crunch! For the full recipe, check below. {{image_4}} You can use different cuts of chicken for this recipe. Drumsticks offer a fun twist. They are easy to hold and bite into. Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but they can dry out faster. For a vegetarian option, try using cauliflower. It soaks up the marinade well and becomes crispy when fried. The heat in hot honey can vary. Use more or less hot sauce to change the spice level. If you want a mild version, use just a little hot sauce. For a fiery kick, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also try different hot sauces, like sriracha or chipotle sauce, for unique flavors. Hot honey fried chicken pairs great with many sides. Creamy coleslaw offers a cool crunch. Baked beans add a sweet and savory touch. You can serve it with cornbread for a comforting meal. For a fresh option, a simple green salad balances the heat well. Experiment with your favorites to make it your own. To store leftover hot honey fried chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it is well-sealed to keep out moisture. When you want to reheat your chicken, the oven is best. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. This keeps the chicken moist. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to restore the crispiness. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. If you want to freeze hot honey fried chicken, first let it cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To get crispy fried chicken, start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Marinate it in buttermilk for at least two hours. This adds flavor and helps the coating stick. Use a good amount of oil and heat it to 350°F. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken cook evenly. Finally, let the chicken rest on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Yes, you can make hot honey fried chicken in the oven! First, marinate the chicken as usual. Then, coat it with the seasoned flour mix. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes. Flip it halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you want a crispy finish, broil it for a few minutes at the end. Drizzle the hot honey on top after baking for a sweet touch. To make a healthier version, use skinless chicken pieces. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it. Swap buttermilk for plain yogurt or a plant-based milk. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber. Reduce the amount of honey and red pepper flakes for a lighter glaze. These changes will keep the flavor while making the dish healthier. Hot honey fried chicken pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with creamy coleslaw for crunch. Macaroni and cheese adds a rich flavor. A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the meal. Also, cornbread is a classic choice for a comforting touch. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo! Hot honey fried chicken combines tasty flavors, crispy texture, and a sweet kick. This blog showed you how to prepare it step-by-step, from marinating to frying. I shared tips for the best texture and ways to add more heat. You learned about variations, storage, and answered FAQs too. Now you can enjoy making this dish at home. Experiment with spices and enjoy the crispy goodness!

Hot Honey Fried Chicken

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this irresistible hot honey fried chicken recipe! Crispy, golden chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, perfectly coated and fried, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It's the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone wanting more. Don't miss out—click through to discover the full recipe and make this delicious dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust according to your spice tolerance)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for additional heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

¼ cup honey

1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk with the hot sauce, stirring well to blend. Submerge the chicken thighs in the mixture, ensuring they are coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours (or overnight for enhanced flavor infusion).

    Prepare the Coating: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous amount of salt and black pepper. Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed for consistent flavor.

      Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, using approximately 2 inches of oil to allow for proper frying. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.

        Dredge the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a comprehensive and thick coating.

          Fry: Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin-side down. Fry for approximately 7-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken achieves a deep golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed to prevent crowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.

            Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey over low heat until warm. Stir in red pepper flakes, adjusting the quantity according to your taste preference for heat. Allow the honey to infuse for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.

              Drain and Glaze: Once the chicken is fried to crispy perfection, transfer it onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. While the chicken is still warm, drizzle the hot honey mixture over the thighs generously, or serve alongside the chicken as a dipping sauce.

                Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Plate your hot honey fried chicken on a rustic wooden board or a large decorative platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a vibrant touch. For a complete meal experience, serve alongside a creamy coleslaw or warm cornbread, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor harmony.