Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies cravings.
This dish combines the juiciness of crispy fried chicken with a drizzle of homemade hot honey, making it the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring some fiery flavor to your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for desired heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with salt and a dash of pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well blended and warm (do not boil). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Dredge: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let excess buttermilk drip off, then coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey
- Coat with Hot Honey: Once all the chicken is fried, place it in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with the hot honey mixture and toss to coat.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the hot honey chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or legs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster than dark meat. Adjust frying time accordingly to ensure they don't dry out.
2. How spicy is this hot honey chicken?
The spice level can be easily adjusted based on the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes you use. Start with less and gradually add more to suit your taste.
3. Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Absolutely! The hot honey can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just warm it slightly before serving to loosen it up.
4. What should I serve with hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides, including coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it on a bun for a delicious sandwich!
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
6. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover hot honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven to maintain crispiness.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour for the dredging process and ensure the hot sauce is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy hot honey chicken without gluten.
8. What type of hot sauce works best for this recipe?
You can use any hot sauce you like! Popular options include Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or a homemade hot sauce. Choose one that suits your taste preference for heat and flavor.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful combination of flavors that brings warmth and excitement to any meal. With its crispy exterior and the sweet-spicy kick of hot honey, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just when you're craving something delicious, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers mouthwatering results. So fire up your kitchen and treat yourself to this irresistible dish that combines the best of sweet and heat! Enjoy!
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