If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances fiery heat with sweet, sticky goodness, the Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into crispy, golden fried chicken thighs coated in a simple, flavorful seasoning, then drizzled with a luscious honey glaze infused with just the right amount of spicy kick. It’s comfort food taken to a thrilling new level, a dish that’s as satisfying as it is addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe brings the kind of warmth and excitement that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role: the flour creates that irresistible crunchy crust, the garlic powder and salt build a foundation of savory flavor, and the combination of honey with hot sauce brings the signature sweet-heat harmony to the dish.
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy pieces that cook quickly and soak up those amazing flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Key to achieving a crunchy, golden coating that locks in moisture.
- 2 tsp hot sauce: Adds a punch of heat to the flour mix, boosting the overall spice level.
- 1/2 cup honey: Preferably raw, for a rich, natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the coating.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken evenly.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a mild kick that complements the hot honey glaze.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: For frying, chosen for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or any hot sauce): The essential ingredient for the glaze’s distinctive spicy zing.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the glaze with a touch of acidity.
How to Make Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is a simple but crucial step—it helps the flour coating stick better and results in that coveted crispy crust. This little prep sets the stage for perfectly fried chicken every time.
Step 2: Season and Coat
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adding hot sauce to this mixture gives the dredge a subtle kick that enhances the chicken’s flavor. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour blend, making sure it’s evenly and thoroughly coated. This creates a delicious crust that crisps up beautifully during frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This shimmering is your cue that the oil is hot enough to start frying. Proper oil temperature is essential to cook the chicken through while keeping the crust crisp and golden, so don’t rush this step.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This step crafts that signature crunch and juicy interior that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken fries, combine the honey, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm the mixture gently until it thickens slightly, which intensifies the flavors and helps the glaze cling perfectly to the chicken.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. The heat of the chicken melts the glaze just enough to coat every crispy nook for a sweet and spicy finish that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe even further, try garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. Thinly sliced green onions can also bring a mild sharpness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crisp contrast, while buttery mashed potatoes or garlic roasted veggies offer comforting textures. For a fun twist, serve it alongside crispy waffle fries or a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the heat and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe atop fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a winning Southern-inspired combo. Or plate it on a bed of seasoned rice to soak up the glaze. For a casual gathering, arrange the pieces on a large platter with lemon wedges and dipping sauces for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The glaze remains tasty but may soak into the crust slightly overnight, so consider gently reheating to bring back some crispiness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze the cooked chicken after it has completely cooled. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe portions can last for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, use a preheated oven at 350°F and warm the chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This method helps preserve the crispy coating while gently warming the interior and glaze. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work well too, though thighs tend to stay juicier during frying. If you swap in breasts, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
How spicy is this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and customizable. Using sriracha and hot sauce adds a gentle warmth that is balanced by honey’s sweetness. You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spicy preference.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking can be a healthier alternative. Coat and season the chicken as directed, then bake at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish by drizzling with the hot honey glaze for that signature flavor.
What type of honey works best?
Raw honey is ideal for this recipe because of its rich flavor and slightly floral notes, but any good-quality honey you have on hand will work wonderfully to create that glossy, sweet glaze.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! The glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the chicken to get that perfect sticky consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing together crispy fried chicken with a hot honey glaze that peaks everyone’s taste buds and lifts spirits. This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is a wholehearted crowd-pleaser, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it around your table — it’s pure joy in every bite!
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Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken recipe features crispy, golden fried chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. The combination of crunchy fried chicken with the sticky, mildly spicy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw)
- 2 tsp hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or any hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove any moisture, ensuring the coating will stick properly and the chicken will fry up crispy.
- Coat the chicken: In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture until evenly coated on all sides for a flavorful crust.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil. Fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they’re fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Make the glaze: While the chicken fries, combine honey, hot sauce, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens to a sticky, spreadable consistency.
- Glaze the chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs, coating them evenly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in flour mixture by moistening chicken lightly before second dredge.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temp of the chicken to ensure it is safely cooked through.
- Serve immediately for best texture as glaze can cause coating to soften if left to sit.
