Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

The Hot Honey Chicken recipe is one of those dishes that perfectly balances two essential flavors—spicy and sweet. It’s a unique twist on classic fried chicken, where the crunchy, golden coating is complemented by the fiery heat of hot sauce and the sweetness of honey. 

If you’re looking for something bold and flavorful, this dish is a must-try. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the best tips, tricks, and useful details that will help you make the perfect Hot Honey Chicken at home. 

And if you’re also looking for a delicious comfort food experience, be sure to check out my Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese recipe, which brings together two crowd favorites in a fun new way.

Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Chicken

1. Choosing the Right Chicken Cut: I highly recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts, and the crispy texture combined with the spicy, sweet sauce makes for a mouthwatering bite. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can easily substitute them in. 
2. Breading the Chicken: The secret to getting a perfectly crispy coating lies in the breading. I’ve found that using a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and some seasoning like paprika, garlic powder, and salt helps achieve that crunchy texture. If you want an extra-crispy layer, double coat the chicken. First, dip it in the seasoned flour, then in an egg wash, and finally coat it again with flour.
3. Frying the Chicken: When frying, make sure your oil temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken can burn before cooking through; if it’s too cool, the chicken will be greasy. A thermometer is your best friend here. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet for frying as it maintains a consistent temperature.
4. Hot Honey Sauce Balance: The hot honey sauce is where the magic happens. It’s crucial to get the balance between the heat of the hot sauce and the sweetness of the honey just right. I like to start with a tablespoon of hot sauce and gradually add more depending on how spicy I want the sauce. Honey adds that perfect sweetness, but don’t overdo it—it’s all about balance. 
5. Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before drizzling the sauce. This helps the chicken stay crispy and ensures the hot honey sauce doesn’t make it soggy. I recommend waiting at least 5 minutes before serving.

Storing and Reheating Hot Honey Chicken

Storing leftover Hot Honey Chicken can be tricky since you don’t want the chicken to lose its crunch. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing it up to prevent condensation, which can affect the texture.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover Hot Honey Chicken is by using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps the chicken regain some of its crispiness. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for 5-6 minutes on 350°F to crisp it up.
• Freezing: If you plan to store Hot Honey Chicken for a longer period, freezing is an option. After frying and letting the chicken cool, place the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until heated through.

Variations of Hot Honey Chicken

I love that this recipe can be easily adapted. Here are a few variations to try if you want to add a unique spin to your Hot Honey Chicken:

• Baked Version: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Just place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is still crispy, with a little less oil.
• Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: If you’re craving something a little more filling, turn your Hot Honey Chicken into a sandwich. Serve it on a soft brioche bun with some pickles for a fantastic sweet and spicy combo. The pickles will add a nice acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Want to take the heat up a notch? Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or even chili flakes to your hot honey sauce for an added level of spiciness. You can also experiment with different hot sauces—each one has its own unique flavor and heat level, so try different ones to find your favorite combination.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken can stand alone as a meal, but I find it pairs really well with several side dishes. Here are a few options that complement the spicy-sweet flavor:

• Creamy Coleslaw: The creaminess and crunchiness of coleslaw balance out the heat and sweetness of the chicken. The coolness of the slaw provides a great contrast to the spicy chicken, making every bite more enjoyable.
• Mac and Cheese: A classic side dish like mac and cheese is always a hit with fried chicken. The richness of the cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with the heat of the chicken, creating a comforting meal.
• Cornbread: If you want to add a Southern twist to your meal, cornbread is the way to go. Its sweetness and crumbly texture pair well with the bold flavors of the Hot Honey Chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables: To lighten up the meal, serve your chicken with some grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The charred flavors from the grill bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Hot Honey Chicken for Different Occasions

I’ve found that Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few occasions when it makes the perfect dish:

• Family Dinner: Hot Honey Chicken is perfect for a family dinner. It’s simple enough to prepare yet impressive enough to make everyone at the table excited. Serve it with some sides and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a balanced meal.
• Game Day: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for game day. The spicy sweetness is a flavor profile that appeals to most people, and it’s easy to eat with your hands while watching the game.
• Meal Prep: Hot Honey Chicken also works well for meal prepping. Prepare a batch over the weekend, and you’ve got lunches for the week. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in no time
  

Ben Carraoli

Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

The Hot Honey Chicken recipe is one of those dishes that perfectly balances two essential flavors—spicy and sweet. It’s a unique twist on classic fried chicken, where the crunchy, golden coating is complemented by the fiery heat of hot sauce and the sweetness of honey.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless – Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, making them a great choice for a crispy, juicy outcome.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is used for dredging the chicken to give it a crispy outer layer when fried.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds a nice savory depth to the chicken’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – For color and a mild smokiness in the breading.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of spice and sharpness to the breading.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the flour to the chicken creating a thicker, crispier coating.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while also adding a tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the honey later.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce your choice – Provides the heat to balance the sweet honey in the sauce.
• 1/4 cup honey – This is the sweet element of the sauce complementing the hot sauce perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps blend the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – For a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the honey and butter giving balance to the sauce.

Method

 

1. Start by trimming the chicken thighs if needed, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to marinate, which will tenderize the meat and help the breading stick better.
2. In another large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. After marinating, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off, and then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press down gently to ensure the flour sticks evenly to the chicken. Repeat for all the chicken pieces.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 1/2 inch of oil to the pan. When the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once fried, remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, honey, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if you like it spicier.
5. Once the chicken is fried and rested, drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. You can also toss the chicken in the sauce in a bowl if you prefer an even coating. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor.
6. Serve your Hot Honey Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. The balance of sweet and spicy makes it a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a game night, this dish will definitely impress!
7. Enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Chicken with a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and crispy goodness!