This Hot Honey Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist! Crispy, golden-brown chicken drumsticks are soaked in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, fried to perfection, and then drenched in a bold hot honey sauce. The combination of heat from cayenne and hot sauce with the smooth, rich sweetness of honey creates an addictive balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for a game day feast, family dinner, or any occasion that calls for a deliciously crunchy and flavorful meal, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy biscuits, creamy mac and cheese, or a fresh coleslaw. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving this crispy, juicy, and sticky masterpiece over and over again!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For Cleaning the Chicken:
- 16 chicken drumsticks (or preferred chicken parts)
- Cold water
- White vinegar
- Lemon slices
For the Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons hot chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons white pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
- ½ of the seasoning mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup hot sauce
For the Flour Coating:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ of the seasoning mix
For Frying:
- 2 ½ quarts (10 cups) vegetable oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
Directions:
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Clean the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in a large airtight container with lemon slices. Cover with equal parts cold water and white vinegar. Soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then drain, discard lemon slices, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large dish. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix over it. Add the beaten eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining seasoning mix.
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Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess and place on a baking sheet.
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Heat the Oil: Pour the oil into a deep pot, heating it to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
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Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches, 3-5 pieces at a time, for 13-16 minutes (16-20 minutes for dark meat). The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Transfer to a cooling rack.
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Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the hot sauce and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of fried chicken into the hot honey sauce, ensuring an even glaze.
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Serve and Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 340 kcal per serving | Servings: 16 pieces
The Origins of Hot Honey Fried Chicken
While fried chicken has roots tracing back to Scottish and West African cooking, hot honey as a flavoring has more recent origins. The idea of pairing honey with spicy elements is often credited to Mike Kurtz, the founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, who introduced the concept after being inspired by a Brazilian pizzeria that drizzled honey infused with chili peppers over pizza.
As hot honey gained popularity, it began appearing in different dishes, including fried chicken, where it added a layer of sticky sweetness to the crispy, seasoned exterior. Today, hot honey chicken has become a staple in both home kitchens and popular restaurants, appealing to those who love bold, balanced flavors.
What Makes This Fried Chicken Special?
Unlike traditional fried chicken, this recipe incorporates three key elements that take it to the next level:
1. The Buttermilk Marinade
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce is a technique that not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor before it even hits the fryer. The acidity in buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it extra juicy and flavorful.
2. The Perfect Crispy Coating
A combination of flour, cornstarch, and a blend of spices creates an ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy even after being drizzled with sauce. The addition of cornstarch and baking powder is a pro tip that ensures a lighter, crispier texture, preventing the chicken from turning soggy.
3. The Hot Honey Sauce
This sauce is the star of the show—a simple mix of butter, honey, and hot sauce that is simmered to create a thick, glossy glaze. The sweetness of honey tames the heat of the hot sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You can adjust the spice level depending on your preference, making it mild or fiery.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Chicken
One of the best things about Hot Honey Fried Chicken is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it as a party snack, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
1. Classic Southern Meal
Serve this chicken with fluffy buttermilk biscuits, creamy mac and cheese, and collard greens for a Southern-inspired feast.
2. Chicken and Waffles
Pairing hot honey chicken with waffles is a fantastic way to create a sweet and savory brunch dish. Drizzle with extra hot honey syrup for even more flavor.
3. Sandwich Style
Turn it into a spicy chicken sandwich by placing a crispy piece of chicken between a soft brioche bun, topped with coleslaw and pickles.
4. Party-Style Appetizer
Serve bite-sized pieces of this chicken on a platter with extra hot honey dipping sauce for a shareable appetizer.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Fried Chicken
- Don’t skip the marinade! The longer the chicken soaks in buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer. Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture without burning the coating.
- Double dredge for extra crispiness. If you love a thicker, crunchier crust, coat the chicken twice in the flour mixture before frying.
- Drain properly. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack (instead of paper towels) to prevent sogginess.
- Customize the heat level. Add more honey for sweetness or extra cayenne and hot sauce for extra spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hot Honey Fried Chicken recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. The combination of sweet, spicy, crispy, and juicy makes it one of the most satisfying comfort foods you can make at home.
It’s also a great make-ahead dish you can marinate the chicken the night before and simply fry it when you’re ready to serve. Plus, the hot honey sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to level up your fried chicken game, this Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a must-try. The crispy buttermilk coating, perfectly balanced sauce, and juicy, flavorful meat make it an absolute showstopper.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!