Easy Hot Honey Fried Chicken Recipe

If you love crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, this hot honey fried chicken recipe is for you. Combining perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce, this recipe delivers a bold flavor punch. Whether you're making dinner for your family or bringing something special to a gathering, hot honey fried chicken is guaranteed to be a hit. The sweet heat of the hot honey paired with the crunchy fried chicken creates a dish that's satisfying and unforgettable.

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Large frying pan or deep fryer
Wire rack and baking sheet
Meat thermometer
Tongs
Whisk
Small saucepan

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
2 pounds chicken pieces drumsticks, thighs, or wings
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
1 –2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for extra heat
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and butter. Heat over low until melted and combined.
Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.