Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken

Name: Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup hot sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Vegetable oil for frying; Salt and pepper to taste

By Elisa Levine

April 2, 2025

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Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken and a sweet, spicy glaze. Imagine biting into golden-brown, crunchy skin that gives way to tender meat while the warm aroma of honey and spices fills the air. This dish isn’t just food it’s an experience that dances on your palate.

As you gather around the table with friends and family, the excitement builds. You can almost hear the crunch of the chicken as you take that first heavenly bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken will steal the show and leave everyone craving more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The ease of preparation means you’ll spend less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious bites
The flavor profile combines sweet heat that’s irresistible, making it a crowd-pleaser for sure
Visually appealing with its golden glaze, this dish is perfect for impressing guests at any get-together
Versatile enough for serving with sides or on its own, it suits any occasion

There was that one Sunday afternoon when I decided to impress my family with this dish. As soon as I pulled it from the oven, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy during cooking and offer great flavor feel free to substitute breasts if preferred.
All-Purpose Flour: A classic coating for fried chicken seasoned flour helps create a delightful crunch.
Honey: Choose pure honey for natural sweetness it adds depth to the glaze and balances the heat.
Hot Sauce: Use your favorite brand adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor it enhances the savory notes without overpowering them.
Paprika: Adds color and a mild sweetness smoked paprika gives an extra depth that’s hard to resist.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch elevates the spice level feel free to skip if you’re not into heat.
Vegetable Oil: For frying canola oil works well too make sure it’s hot enough before frying

For the Sauce:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up flavors in the glaze just a splash makes all the difference.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness in the overall dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by patting dry 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs with paper towels. This step ensures they fry up crispy instead of steaming.

Create Your Seasoned Flour: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This flavorful coating will make your chicken shine.

Heat Up That Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, pour in about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high until shimmering this usually takes about 5 minutes.

Dredge & Fry: Take each chicken thigh and coat it in the seasoned flour mixture before gently placing them into hot oil (watch out for splatters). Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Create Your Hot Honey Glaze: While chicken fries away happily, mix together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This sticky goodness will be drizzled right before serving.

Add That Glaze: Once you’ve removed chicken from oil and placed them on paper towels to drain excess grease, drizzle or toss them with your hot honey glaze while they’re still warm

With every bite of Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, you’ll enjoy that delightful contrast between crispy skin and sticky sweetness paired with just enough heat to keep things interesting

You Must Know

This Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy that elevates your fried chicken game
The glaze adds a sticky, mouthwatering finish, making each bite irresistible
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish will leave everyone craving more

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavors. Coat it in seasoned flour, then fry until golden brown before glazing it with hot honey for that tantalizing finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different spices in the flour mix, like paprika or garlic powder, or even swap honey for maple syrup for an interesting twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When frying chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough to create that perfect crispy crust without absorbing too much grease
Letting the chicken rest after frying allows moisture to redistribute for juicier results
Always taste your glaze before using it to adjust sweetness or heat levels as needed

Sometimes I whip up this dish for family gatherings the smiles on their faces when they take that first bite are priceless. It’s become a staple at our weekend barbecues

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken?

Pair it with coleslaw or cornbread for a classic Southern feast.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well but adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make the glaze spicier?

Add more chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey mixture for extra heat

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