Hot Honey Chicken

If you're looking to add a kick to your dinner routine, look no further than Hot Honey Chicken. This recipe perfectly balances the heat of chili with the sweetness of honey, creating a tantalizingly irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for more. 

Whether you're serving it over rice, paired with crispy fries, or just devouring it on its own, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner.

Let’s dive into how to make this hot honey chicken from scratch, and explore some helpful tips and tricks along the way.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

To prepare this sweet and spicy dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika gives an extra depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk (for a tender, juicy texture)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps to create a crispy crust)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey (preferably raw or unprocessed for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (choose your favorite hot sauce, but a good balance of heat and flavor is key)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a bit of tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce)

Instructions for Making Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Flatten the chicken breasts: For even cooking, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
2. Set up your breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing down to coat it well. Then, dip the chicken into the egg mixture before returning it to the flour mixture for a final coat. For extra crunch, you can repeat this step for a double coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Pour oil into a large skillet, about ½ inch deep, and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small amount of flour sizzles immediately upon contact.
2. Fry the chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and butter.
2. Cook the sauce: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted, and the sauce is well-combined and slightly simmering. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Adjust the heat: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra spice, or more honey for a sweeter flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Drizzle the sauce: Place the fried chicken on a serving plate and generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: For added color and freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. A squeeze of lime or a dash of sesame seeds can elevate the dish even further.

Serve your Hot Honey Chicken with your favorite sides. Whether it’s a bed of fluffy rice, crispy fries, or a simple green salad, this dish pairs beautifully with just about anything.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

1. Use chicken thighs for juicier results: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs will stay more tender and flavorful compared to breasts, especially when fried.
2. Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness: If you want a thicker, crunchier crust, repeat the breading process for a double coating. This will make the chicken extra crispy and golden.
3. Control the spice level: Adjust the heat in the hot honey sauce by choosing a milder hot sauce or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a less spicy version.
4. Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the chicken is still crispy and hot. If you're prepping ahead, keep the chicken warm in a low oven while making the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Hot Honey Chicken in the oven instead of frying it?

Yes, you can! If you're looking for a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After breading the chicken, place the pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. To get a crispy texture, you can also spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking.

2. What is the best type of hot sauce to use for the sauce?

The best hot sauce for this recipe depends on your taste preferences. A mild to medium hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or Tabasco works well, as they offer heat with a nice balance of flavor. If you want a smoky flavor, try a chipotle-based hot sauce. For more heat, go for a sauce with a higher Scoville rating, like Sriracha or Tapatío.

3. Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving, adding a little extra honey or vinegar if needed to adjust the consistency.

4. Can I make Hot Honey Chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! To make this dish in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken in the basket in a single layer, and spray with a bit of oil. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken once it’s cooked.

5. How can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?

If you love heat, you can increase the spiciness by adding more hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a finely chopped jalapeño or habanero pepper. You can also use a spicy chili paste or a few dashes of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

---

Hot Honey Chicken brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and spicy—creating a dish that’s as exciting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.