There is something truly irresistible about this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe that brings together the perfect harmony of crispy, juicy fried chicken and a sticky sweet-heat glaze. Every bite offers a delightful contrast—the crunchy exterior giving way to tender meat, all wrapped in a luscious sauce that balances spicy kick with floral honey sweetness. If you love comfort food with a little zing, this is one recipe you are going to want to have in your kitchen arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet crucial for achieving the signature taste, texture, and color of this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe. Each component works together to create that golden crust and vibrant glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for frying without worrying about bones.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating essential for that perfect crunch.
- 2 tsp hot sauce (your favorite brand): Adds a punchy kick to the flour and the glaze for balanced heat.
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw): The star of the glaze, giving natural sweetness and sticky texture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Imparts aromatic depth to the flour mixture enhancing the savory flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: A crucial seasoning that brings all flavors to life.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle peppery warmth to the coating.
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Ideal for frying to a golden crisp without overpowering the chicken.
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or any hot sauce): Used in the glaze for a vibrant heat that complements the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Cuts through the richness with a bright zing, balancing the glaze beautifully.
How to Make Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dry the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step makes all the difference by ensuring the flour coating sticks nicely and the chicken fries up crispy rather than soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Flour Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings infuse the flour with flavor so that every crispy bite bursts with savory deliciousness, turning plain flour into a perfect crust.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Toss each chicken thigh into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every surface is completely coated. This rich blanket will fry to a golden brown crust that locks in the juicy chicken underneath.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high until you see it shimmering. This hot oil is essential to achieve that crunchy, deep-fried texture we all crave.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken fries, combine the honey, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat until it thickens slightly; this creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and spicy.
Step 7: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked and drained on a paper towel-lined plate, immediately drizzle the hot honey glaze over the warm thighs. This lets the glaze cling beautifully, adding that signature sticky coating with a gentle heat.
How to Serve Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the glazed chicken to add color and a brightness that complements the spicy sweetness.
Side Dishes
The bold flavors of hot honey-glazed fried chicken pair wonderfully with cool, creamy coleslaw or crispy fries for a classic comfort combo. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual, rustic look. If you want to turn it into a hand-held treat, slice the chicken and serve in soft buns with pickles and extra glaze for irresistible hot honey chicken sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your chicken feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 days, although the crust might soften slightly.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken can keep well for up to 1 month without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive that crispy crust, reheat leftover chicken in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. If you have a toaster oven or air fryer, those work beautifully too for maintaining crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too, though thighs tend to stay juicier and develop more flavor when fried.
What if I don’t have sriracha?
No worries! Any hot sauce you love can be swapped in for sriracha in the glaze, just adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
How spicy is this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe?
It has a gentle to moderate heat level that balances sweet honey with spicy hot sauce, but you can always add more hot sauce or chili flakes to increase the kick.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter version, bake the dredged chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy, then toss with the glaze afterwards.
Is raw honey important for the glaze?
Raw honey offers richer flavor and complexity, but you can use regular honey as well and still get wonderfully sweet glaze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines crunch, heat, and sweetness in one unforgettable bite, this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s simple enough to whip up any night, but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and let this warm, spicy, sweet combo become your new favorite chicken experience.
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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
Crispy, golden fried chicken thighs are elevated with a luscious hot honey glaze that combines the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick from hot sauce and sriracha. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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
Frying
- 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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier coating when fried.
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture ensuring it is evenly coated all over for a seasoned, crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for frying without burning the coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil and fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side. Cook until they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken fries, combine the honey, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is slightly thickened and well blended.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle the warm hot honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs while they are still warm for a perfect balance of sweet heat.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy coating.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after frying before glazing to help the coating set.
- Serve with a side of fresh slaw or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
