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Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Crowd-pleasing Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe made with crispy chicken, seasoned breading, honey, and spicy chili heat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Heavy-bottom skillet or deep frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Coating

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 –2 teaspoons red chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken and make sure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  • In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and onion powder. This blend is what gives the chicken that extra crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy

  • Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add honey, chili flakes, hot sauce, and vinegar. Stir gently and warm for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.

Step 6: Finish the Chicken

  • Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken or toss lightly if you want full coverage. Serve immediately.
Keyword Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe