Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken

Name: Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup hot honey (or homemade with 1/4 cup honey + 1 tsp chili flakes); 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying

Posted on April 2, 2025

There’s something magical about the first bite of Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that teases your taste buds with a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, seducing everyone nearby like a siren’s call, making it impossible to resist.

This dish is the kind of comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings, barbecues, or just a cozy night in with your favorite people. I remember the first time I made it my friends couldn’t believe their taste buds and demanded the recipe immediately. The joy on their faces as they bit into that crispy chicken was priceless. Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or an impressive feast that will leave everyone talking about it for days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings
Its flavor bursts with sweet heat and crunchy goodness that appeals to all ages
You’ll impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delightful aroma wafting through your home
Serve it as a main dish or as part of a festive spread for gatherings

Friends still talk about the joyful chaos when I served this dish at my last cookout everyone was fighting over the last piece.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and hold up well during frying without drying out.
Buttermilk: This adds tenderness and flavor don’t skip this step if you want succulent chicken.
All-Purpose Flour: A nice coating for that crispy crunch sifting helps create an even texture.
Hot Honey: A blend of honey with chili flakes gives the perfect sweet heat you can also make your own.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth choose fresh if you want an extra kick.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for added complexity it brings out the best in your chicken.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning don’t be shy here flavor is key.
Vegetable Oil: For frying choose a high smoke point oil to ensure the chicken cooks perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least one hour or overnight if you can wait.

Create Your Coating Mix: While the chicken marinates, mix flour, paprika, and more salt in another bowl. This blend will give your chicken that irresistible crunch.

Heat Up That Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge half of your chicken pieces about two inches deep should do it. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Dredge and Fry: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off before dredging in your flour mix. Carefully place them in hot oil one by one. Fry until they turn golden brown about 7-10 minutes per side.

Toss with Hot Honey Glaze: Once cooked through (internal temperature should hit 165°F/74°C), drain on paper towels briefly before tossing them in hot honey glaze a mix of honey and chili flakes warmed together.

Serve & Enjoy: Plate your glorious Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Watch as friends gather around as if summoned by its siren-like aroma.

Remember to capture those moments your crowd will not only devour this dish but will also beg you for seconds.

You Must Know

The secret to achieving crispy skin is drying the chicken thoroughly before frying
Pairing the hot honey glaze with a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, giving you that perfect sweet and salty balance

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken for at least an hour to absorb all those juicy flavors. Heat your oil in a deep pan until it shimmers, then fry the chicken pieces in batches for an even golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spices or experiment with different types of honey for your glaze. Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives it an extra kick, making it a spicy-sweet delight.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly juicy hot honey-glazed fried chicken, use bone-in thighs they stay moist while frying
Always let the oil reach the proper temperature before adding chicken to prevent sogginess
Experiment with different honey varieties for unique flavors wildflower honey adds a lovely floral note

Cooking this hot honey-glazed fried chicken reminded me of family barbecues where everyone fought over who got the last piece. It’s not just food it’s a memory on a plate.

FAQ

What is hot honey-glazed fried chicken?

Hot honey-glazed fried chicken is crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey sauce.

How do I ensure my fried chicken is crispy?

To achieve crispy skin, dry the chicken thoroughly and fry at the right temperature.

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in pieces yield better flavor and moisture during cooking.