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 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw); 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: April 2, 2025

by Aria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This hot honey-glazed fried chicken is incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks
The combination of sweet and spicy creates a unique flavor profile that’s irresistible
It’s visually stunning, with its glossy glaze catching the light beautifully on your dinner table
This dish is versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions

There was that one time when I whipped up this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken for a potluck, and my friends’ faces lit up as they took their first bites.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs hold moisture well and stay tender during frying choose those with nice marbling for flavor.
Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for marinating it makes the chicken incredibly juicy and adds a tangy kick.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that crispy coating you can add spices to it for extra flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: A little sprinkle goes a long way in giving your chicken that perfect kick.
Honey: Opt for raw or local honey for its richness it balances perfectly with spice in the glaze.
Hot Sauce: Use your favorite brand to amp up the heat in the glaze find one that complements honey well.

For the Sauce:

Garlic Powder: Choose good-quality garlic powder as it enhances flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding depth to your glaze.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up flavors don’t skip this step

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

Let’s Make it together

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with salt and pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible.

Prepare Your Coating Station: Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour (add cayenne pepper), one with beaten eggs mixed with a splash of water, and one empty bowl. This station will streamline your breading process.

Bread the Chicken: Take each marinated thigh out of buttermilk allow excess to drip off before dredging first in flour, then dipping into egg mixture, and finally back into flour again. Ensure an even coating for maximum crunch.

Heat Oil in Your Frying Pan: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add enough oil to cover about half an inch of the pan. Heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add chicken thighs to hot oil without crowding them fry in batches if necessary. Cook each piece for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and heated through drizzle over fried chicken just before serving.

With these steps complete, get ready to dig into some seriously tasty Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken

You Must Know

The secret to perfect Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is in the marination time
Letting the chicken soak up flavors makes a world of difference
Crispy skin and sticky sweetness blend beautifully, delivering an unforgettable crunch with every bite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour, then heat the oil to 350°F before frying. This ensures a crispy coating while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup or add cayenne for extra heat. Customize the spices based on your palate and preferences to create your unique twist on this classic recipe.

Storing & Reheating

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

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always double-check your oil temperature before frying too hot can burn, too cool can lead to soggy results
Resting fried chicken allows juices to redistribute for maximum flavor
Experiment with different honey varieties for unique sweetness levels

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friend’s birthday where I made Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, and everyone went back for seconds Their smiles were priceless.

FAQs

FAQ

What is Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken?

Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor absorption.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken will work but adjust cooking time for optimal doneness.