Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a sticky, spicy honey sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and packs a punch. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a fun weekend meal, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. The hot honey sauce adds a unique depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chicken. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and the balance of heat and sweetness will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it with a side of rice, vegetables, or even on a sandwich—this dish is as versatile as it is delicious!

Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier chicken)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or sriracha for more heat)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken:

Prep the chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, lightly pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch) for more even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Set up the dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing down slightly to ensure the coating sticks. Set the coated chicken aside.
Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the sauce is well combined and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat.
Coat the chicken: Once the chicken has rested, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top of the chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce for an even coating.
Serve: Serve your Hot Honey Chicken immediately with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or on a bun for a spicy-sweet sandwich.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Ranch Version: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing on top of the hot honey-coated chicken for a cool contrast to the heat.
Boneless Wings: Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces to make boneless wings and serve with dipping sauces.
Grilled Chicken: For a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of frying it. Just make sure to coat it in the same seasoning and baste with the hot honey sauce while grilling.
Add Vegetables: Serve this dish with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a more balanced meal.
Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. To restore crispiness, reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to breasts.

Can I make the hot honey sauce without vinegar?

The vinegar adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the honey and heat of the sauce. If you prefer, you can skip it, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. You can also use lemon juice for a different tang.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and the hot honey sauce ahead of time. Store the chicken in the refrigerator after frying and reheat it before adding the sauce. This is especially helpful for meal prepping.

Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use a sweeter hot sauce, or decrease the amount of cayenne.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?

Hot Honey Chicken pairs well with side dishes like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it on a bun with pickles to make a spicy-sweet chicken sandwich!

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. The crispy, juicy chicken paired with the bold, sticky sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or at a gathering, this flavorful recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the sweet heat with every bite!

Jane

Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

Directions

For the Chicken:

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Can I make the hot honey sauce without vinegar?

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?

What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?

Conclusion