If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and crispy comfort, you’re going to love this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with a medley of spices, fried to a golden crunch, and then coated with a luscious drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce. Every bite offers layers of flavor that dance together beautifully—spicy, sweet, smoky, and satisfyingly crispy all at once. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe shine. Each element plays a vital role: the spices bring warmth and depth, the buttermilk tenderizes, and the hot honey sauce ties everything together with a perfect kick.
- 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These juicy, flavorful cuts are perfect for frying and staying tender inside.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for a crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the overall umami and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings gorgeous color and subtle smoky notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the flour stick evenly to the chicken for maximum crunch.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang.
- Oil for frying: Use vegetable or canola oil to achieve that perfect golden fry.
- ½ cup honey: The sweet star of the hot honey sauce, balancing the heat.
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adjust the heat level to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little extra fire for those who love it spicy.
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) as needed: Bright and fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by thoroughly rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water to remove any excess residue, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures your coating sticks well. Next, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and rub this flavorful seasoning all over each chicken thigh. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes so the spices can penetrate the meat, promising every bite bursts with taste.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
While your chicken marinates, create a breading assembly line. Pour the buttermilk into one bowl—it tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour cling better. In a separate bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour mixture forms the crispy, flavorful crust that defines this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your chosen oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully dip each chicken thigh in the buttermilk, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoned flour, pressing gently to create an even layer. Fry the chicken in batches for about 7 to 8 minutes per side, cooking until the crust is deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C. Use a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken fries, bring honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the ingredients meld into a silky, spicy-sweet glaze that will perfectly complement the crispy chicken. This sauce is where the magic truly happens in this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over your freshly fried chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a burst of color and a fresh flavor contrast. Serve immediately so your crispy, saucy chicken can be enjoyed at its very best.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs, such as finely chopped parsley or cilantro, add vibrancy and balance to each bite, cutting through the richness with their bright, green notes. You can also sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes for an added pop of heat and color. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can bring a refreshing citrus twist that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy layers.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, which offers a refreshing crunch and a tangy counterpoint. Roasted or mashed potatoes provide comforting heartiness, while a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps lighten the meal. For something a bit more adventurous, try serving it alongside pickled vegetables or grilled corn for that summery vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this favorite into a showstopper by serving Hot Honey Chicken on a wooden board alongside dipping sauces like garlic aioli or ranch for extra indulgence. You can also shred the chicken after frying to create spicy sandwiches or wraps, layered with crisp lettuce and pickles. For a party, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and offer toothpicks for easy snacking—perfect for sharing the love of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Hot Honey Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispiness, keep the hot honey sauce separate until you’re ready to serve again. Reapply the sauce after reheating for the best flavor experience.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for another day. Wrap the fully cooled fried chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the hot honey sauce in a separate container in the fridge, and add fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes to bring back its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact. Once warm, drizzle with fresh hot honey sauce for maximum flavor impact.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can work, though bone-in, skin-on thighs tend to stay juicier when fried. If using boneless cuts, reduce frying time slightly and monitor doneness carefully.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable based on how much hot sauce and red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small amount if you prefer mild spice, or increase for a bolder kick. The honey balances the heat perfectly, creating a warm, addictive flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is a lighter option but won’t deliver quite the same crispy crust. For best results, bake at a high temperature and consider finishing with a quick broil. Don’t forget to baste with the hot honey sauce after baking for that signature flavor.
What kind of hot sauce is best for the recipe?
Use your favorite hot sauce! Classic choices like Frank’s RedHot or a chipotle-style sauce add great flavor. Just remember that some hot sauces vary in heat and acidity, so adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The hot honey sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Warm it gently before drizzling over your chicken to refresh its texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a true delight that brings together crispy, juicy chicken and a luscious balance of spicy and sweet flavors. It’s an easy recipe that feels special, perfect for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly it wins over everyone at the table!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy fried chicken thighs coated with a flavorful seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This recipe combines savory, smoky, and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness for an irresistible comforting dish that serves 4.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Marinade
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola), as needed
Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), as needed
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Season chicken: In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over each chicken thigh and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Set up breading station: In one bowl, pour the buttermilk. In another bowl, mix the flour along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for the coating.
- Heat oil: Preheat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge chicken pieces.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken thigh into the buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create an even, thick coating.
- Fry chicken: Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking 7-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried chicken and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep the crust crispy.
- Make hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Warm over low heat, stirring until blended and aromatic.
- Glaze chicken: Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the fried chicken, coating each piece with the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken improves tenderness and flavor—feel free to marinate longer if desired.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey sauce to control heat level.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Let chicken drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
- Fresh herbs add a bright contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
