Crunchy hot honey chicken combines a crispy coating with a sweet and spicy glaze. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Follow this recipe to make restaurant-quality chicken at home.
Ingredients of Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
For the chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the hot honey glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Steps to Prepare
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
- Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes to set the coating.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red chili flakes.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Coat the Chicken
- Brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried chicken. Alternatively, toss the chicken in a large bowl with the glaze for a more even coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or a side of cornbread.
- Pair with a refreshing drink to balance the spice.
Tips for Perfect Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour and egg steps.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce and chili flakes.
- Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying additional batches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Spray with cooking oil for a crispy texture.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
Enjoy this crunchy hot honey chicken recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let us know how yours turned out!
yummy