Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to recreate that addictive sweet-and-spicy restaurant flavor at home, look no further than the Incredible Hot Honey Chicken recipe. This dish is a game-changer, featuring buttermilk-soaked chicken with a crispy panko coating drenched in an incredible hot honey glaze. It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have your taste buds singing with joy.

I stumbled upon this recipe when my family couldn’t get enough of Nashville hot chicken but wanted a customizable version we could enjoy anytime. My teenage son, who typically only craves fast food, was blown away by how much better this homemade hot honey chicken was compared to pricey takeout. His enthusiasm for this dish has been so contagious that he’s even eager to share the recipe with his friends – talk about a parenting win!

Remember, patience is key when frying the chicken to perfection. Testing the oil temperature with a breadcrumb and waiting for that satisfying sizzle ensures a crispy exterior without any uncooked surprises. Whether served over a bed of greens, alongside crispy smashed potatoes, or with a side of creamy coleslaw, this hot honey chicken is a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of restaurant luxury to your kitchen.

Quick Benefits

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home: Recreate that addictive sweet-and-spicy restaurant taste without the hefty price tag.
• Customizable heat level: Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by tweaking the cayenne pepper in the sauce.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy the hot honey chicken on its own, with a salad, crispy smashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal experience.
• Family favorite: Win over even the pickiest eaters with this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a regular request.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Addictive Sweet-and-Spicy Flavor: Recreate the restaurant experience at home with the perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy cayenne pepper in every bite.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the heat to suit your preference by tweaking the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
• Family-Friendly Recipe: Even picky eaters will love this dish; it’s so good that even fast-food aficionados will be impressed.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this recipe approachable for cooks of all levels, including getting your family involved in the cooking process.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the hot honey chicken on its own, over a salad, with crispy smashed potatoes, or paired with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your friends and family by serving this flavorful dish at gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Make-Ahead Option: While best served fresh and hot, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain some crispiness.
• Special Weekend Treat: Elevate your Friday night dinners with this recipe that feels special enough for the weekend but convenient for a weeknight meal.
• Endless Flavor Variations: Experiment with different ingredients like apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, or maple syrup for unique and delicious twists on the classic recipe.

Ingredients for Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

For the chicken

• 3 large chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the hot honey sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup honey

For the breading

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Canola oil for frying
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

How to Make Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Season both sides of chicken cutlets with kosher salt. Place in a large bowl, coat with buttermilk, and ensure all pieces are submerged. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for 2-4 hours.

Step 2: Make the hot honey sauce

Combine melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl, whisk until well combined, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the breading

Combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 4: Bread the chicken

Using tongs, remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess. Coat both sides in breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion. Place on a wire rack and let sit for 5 minutes before cooking.

Step 5: Heat the oil

Heat ½ to ¾ inch of canola oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a breadcrumb – it should sink, then rise and sizzle.

Step 6: Fry the chicken

Fry 3 pieces at a time for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Place on a wire rack over paper towels on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 7: Finish with sauce

Apply a generous amount of hot honey sauce to each piece of hot chicken. Serve promptly while still crispy and hot.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the hot honey chicken, store any leftovers properly to maintain their texture and flavor. Leftover hot honey chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat and restore some crispiness, it’s best to place the chicken on a wire rack in a preheated 400°F oven until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy coating better than using a microwave, which can make the coating soft.

While this dish is best served fresh and hot, storing it correctly can help preserve its deliciousness for later consumption. Whether you plan to enjoy the chicken the next day or save some for a later date, storing it in the fridge and using the oven for reheating will ensure that the hot honey chicken remains flavorful and crispy. So, don’t hesitate to make a little extra so you can savor this delectable dish even after the initial serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this hot honey chicken, you can consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until cooked through and crispy. This method reduces the oil content while still giving you a crispy coating.

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the panko. Make sure to check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. This allows those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious hot honey chicken without compromising on taste or texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this incredible hot honey chicken over a bed of fluffy waffles for a sweet and savory twist on the classic chicken and waffles dish. The combination of crispy chicken, spicy honey glaze, and fluffy waffles creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends.

For a fun appetizer or party snack, cut the hot honey chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These chicken skewers are perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, and the portable nature of the skewers makes them easy to enjoy while mingling with guests.

FAQs for Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. Keep in mind that thighs may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make this dish less spicy for milder taste preferences?

To make the hot honey chicken less spicy, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the sauce. You can also adjust the amount of smoked paprika to control the overall heat level of the dish.

Can I bake the hot honey chicken instead of frying it?

While frying gives the chicken a crispy texture, you can bake the hot honey chicken in the oven for a healthier alternative. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until cooked through, flipping halfway through for even browning.

How long does the hot honey chicken stay fresh in the fridge, and how should I reheat it?

The hot honey chicken can be stored in the fridge for a few days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place it on a wire rack in a preheated 400°F oven until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the coating soggy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Incredible Hot Honey Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, offering a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds singing. The crispy coating and mouthwatering honey glaze elevate this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to impress their loved ones. Whether you’re a fan of fiery heat or prefer a milder kick, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table will be left satisfied and asking for more.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will rival any takeout joint. With a little patience and a lot of love, you’ll soon be savoring every bite of this Incredible Hot Honey Chicken, knowing that you’ve mastered a dish that brings joy and flavor to every mealtime. Cheers to good food, happy memories, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special in your own kitchen.

Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

“Transform your kitchen into a gourmet hotspot with this crispy Hot Honey Chicken, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors in every bite.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time50 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 chicken cutlets)

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 3 large chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the hot honey sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup honey

For the breading

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Canola oil for frying
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Season both sides of chicken cutlets with kosher salt. Place in a large bowl, coat with buttermilk, and ensure all pieces are submerged. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
2. Make the hot honey sauce: Combine melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl, whisk until well combined, and set aside.
3. Prepare the breading: Combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
4. Bread the chicken: Using tongs, remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess. Coat both sides in breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion. Place on a wire rack and let sit for 5 minutes before cooking.
5. Heat the oil: Heat ½ to ¾ inch of canola oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a breadcrumb – it should sink, then rise and sizzle.
6. Fry the chicken: Fry 3 pieces at a time for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Place on a wire rack over paper towels on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.
7. Finish with sauce: Apply a generous amount of hot honey sauce to each piece of hot chicken. Serve promptly while still crispy and hot.