Description
Hot Honey Chicken is a crispy, juicy chicken dish coated in a sweet and spicy honey sauce. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes this dish a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Lightly pound chicken to an even thickness (about 1 inch). Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up the dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, beat eggs and buttermilk together.
- Coat the chicken: Dip chicken into egg mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour, pressing slightly to ensure the coating sticks. Set aside.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let rest on paper towels.
- Prepare the hot honey sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat.
- Coat the chicken: Drizzle hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken or toss chicken in the sauce for an even coating.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy ranch version: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing for a cool contrast to the heat.
- Boneless wings: Cut chicken into smaller pieces for boneless wings.
- Grilled version: Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Baked version: Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
