Introduction to Hot Honey Chicken

Welcome to the world of tasty delights! If you’re anything like me, you might often find yourself in need of a dish that can delight both the family and any surprise guests. That’s where Hot Honey Chicken comes in! This delectable recipe brings together sweetness and spice, creating a deliciously memorable meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish promises to impress. With just a few easy steps, you can whip up something truly special that even picky eaters will love. So grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken

This Hot Honey Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Busy days call for quick solutions, and this dish offers both flavor and speed. The sweet and spicy combination is utterly irresistible, making it a hit for every palate. Plus, the preparation is straightforward—perfect for moms juggling life! Trust me, once you serve this, your family will be singing its praises long after dinner.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful Hot Honey Chicken! Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Buttermilk: This tangy ingredient makes the chicken tender and juicy. If you’re out, regular milk with a splash of vinegar works wonders!
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the flavors beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: The stars of the dish, they’re easy to cook and perfect for soaking in that marinade.
All-purpose flour: This creates a crispy coating that seals in moisture.
Cornstarch: It helps achieve an extra crunch that we all crave in fried chicken.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These bring depth and warmth to the flavors in our tasty coating.
Smoked paprika: A dash of this adds a lovely smokiness and beautiful color to our chicken.
Baking powder: This little secret helps the coating puff up slightly, giving it that perfect crisp.
Eggs: Essential for binding the coating, helping it cling to the chicken like a warm hug.
Hot sauce: This adds the signature kick. Use your favorite brand; I love to mix it up!
Vegetable oil or shortening: Crucial for frying, it needs to be hot enough for that golden finish.
Honey: The sweet partner to our spicy sauce; it’s what makes this dish truly phenomenal.
Cayenne pepper: Use this to dial up the heat. Adjust based on your family’s spice tolerance.
Kosher salt (for final seasoning): A sprinkle just before serving enhances all those beautiful flavors.

For exact quantities of each ingredient, check the bottom of the article where you can also find a printable version of this delicious recipe!

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken

Ready to create something incredible? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious Hot Honey Chicken in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken

Start by whisking together buttermilk, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Add your chicken tenders and toss them well, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This little wait makes a big difference in tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the dredge. In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, baking powder, and black pepper.

Whisk everything until well combined. This mixture creates a crispy, flavorful coating that’s worth the effort!

Step 3: Make the Egg Wash

In another medium bowl, beat together the eggs with hot sauce and water until smooth. This egg wash helps the dredge stick to the chicken. Trust me; it’s the glue of crispy dreams!

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Take a piece of chicken from the marinade. Coat it in the flour mixture, pressing to help it adhere.

Next, dip it into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour mixture again. This double coating creates an extra crunchy exterior. Place each piece on a wire rack and let them rest for about 15 minutes. While they rest, preheat your oven to 325°F.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want it warm and flavorful!

Remove it from the heat and let it thicken slightly while you fry the chicken.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Heat enough vegetable oil or shortening in a large cast-iron skillet so it covers about 1/2 inch of the bottom. You want it hot—like a gentle sizzle when you add chicken.

Fry the chicken in batches, flipping once. They’ll take about 3 minutes per side to reach a golden brown goodness. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Keep it warm in the oven.

Step 7: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Once your chicken is all fried and crispy, it’s time to bring on the flavor! Drizzle about 1 cup of the hot honey sauce over the chicken, flipping gently to coat.

Drizzle another cup on top for extra sweetness! Serve the remaining hot honey on the side, so folks can add a little more if they like. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Always let the chicken rest after dredging. This helps the coating stick better while frying.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches for the crispiest results.
Check oil temperature with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture.
Adjust the heat level of the hot honey sauce to suit your taste. Less spice can be just as enjoyable!

Equipment Needed

Large bowl: For marinating the chicken. A mixing bowl works too!
Medium bowls: For mixing dredge and egg wash. You can use any shallow dish.
Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for frying. A regular frying pan will do if necessary.
Wire rack: For draining fried chicken. Parchment paper can serve in a pinch.
Saucepan: For making the hot honey sauce. A small pot works equally well.

Variations

Spicy Variation: Add more cayenne or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat. This will intensify the flavor!
Pecan-Crusted Chicken: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with crushed pecans for a nutty twist. It adds a delightful crunch!
Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, instead of frying, bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for the dredge.
Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a fragrant herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken

Pair it with creamy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the heat.
Serve with fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious hot honey sauce.
For a drink, try sweet iced tea or a crisp salad to balance the flavors.
Presentation tip: Arrange the chicken on a rustic platter and drizzle extra hot honey on top for a beautiful finish!

FAQs about Hot Honey Chicken

Got questions about this fabulous Hot Honey Chicken? You’re not alone! Let’s dive into some common inquiries and make sure you have everything you need for a delicious experience.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors, making it even more tender and delicious. Just be mindful not to marinate for too long, as the acid in buttermilk can change the chicken’s texture.

Can I bake Hot Honey Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can! While frying gives that perfect crunchy texture, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on that golden brown finish!

How do I store leftovers of Hot Honey Chicken?

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, ensuring it stays crunchy and delicious.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish pairs well with creamy coleslaw, rice, or mashed potatoes. A crisp salad or sweet iced tea also complements the spicy-sweet flavors beautifully!

How spicy is the Hot Honey Chicken?

The spice level depends on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you choose to add. Start with small amounts, then adjust to fit your family’s taste preferences. It’s all about finding your perfect balance of sweet and spicy!

Final Thoughts on Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen. The sweet and spicy flavors blend beautifully, bringing joy to every bite. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish has a charming way of creating smiles and sparking conversations. With just a few simple steps, you can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the flavorful fun, and enjoy every moment spent with this delightful dish. Trust me, you’ll be left craving more!

Hot Honey Chicken

Author: Emily recipes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish that combines tender chicken tenders with a flavorful coating and a unique hot honey sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Dredge
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons water
Hot Honey Sauce
2 1/2 cups honey
5 tablespoons hot sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For Frying
Vegetable oil or shortening, as needed
Kosher salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Whisk buttermilk, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, baking powder, and black pepper. Whisk to integrate fully.
In another medium bowl, beat eggs with hot sauce and water until combined.
One piece at a time, remove chicken from marinade and coat in flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Dip into egg wash, then dredge again in flour mixture. Place on wire rack and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F.
Combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and infused. Remove from heat and set aside to thicken slightly.
Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil or shortening in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, flipping once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on wire rack set over rimmed baking sheet. Season with kosher salt and keep warm in oven.
Remove baking sheet from oven. Drizzle chicken tenders with 1 cup of hot honey, gently turn and drizzle with another cup. Serve remaining hot honey on the side.

Notes

Adjust hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer less spiciness.
For a crunchier texture, double dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture.
Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for crispy chicken.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 500
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Sweet Spicy Chicken, Fried Chicken