Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet, Spicy & Crispy Comfort Food

If there’s one dish that can set your taste buds dancing, it’s Hot Honey Chicken. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a sticky glaze that’s the perfect balance of sweet honey and fiery chili heat. It’s bold, comforting, and absolutely addictive.

This dish has skyrocketed in popularity across restaurants and home kitchens because it checks all the boxes – crunchy, juicy, sweet, spicy, and finger-licking good. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or the star of your Sunday spread, Hot Honey Chicken is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know – from classic fried Hot Honey Chicken to baked and air-fried versions, plus storage tips, serving ideas, and even how to make your own homemade hot honey.

🔥 What is Hot Honey Chicken?

Hot Honey Chicken is typically crispy fried chicken drizzled or tossed in hot honey glaze. The glaze is a mixture of honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and spices that creates the perfect harmony of sweet and spicy.

It’s a modern twist on traditional fried chicken, bringing bold Southern flavors with a gourmet flair. The beauty is its versatility – you can make it with chicken thighs, breasts, tenders, or even wings.

🛒 Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or tenders)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1 cup honey
2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (or chili flakes for heat)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)

🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

2. Prepare the Coating

Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture.
Press firmly for a thick, crispy coating.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and cayenne.
Warm over low heat until slightly runny.

5. Coat & Serve

Drizzle or toss crispy chicken in hot honey sauce.
Serve immediately while it’s sticky, sweet, and spicy.

🍯 How to Make Homemade Hot Honey

Want to make a jar of hot honey to keep on hand? Here’s a simple recipe:

1 cup honey
2–3 tablespoons chili flakes or fresh sliced jalapeños
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Simmer gently for 5 minutes, strain if desired, and store in a jar. It keeps for up to 3 months at room temperature.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Chicken pairs well with:

Buttermilk Biscuits
Mac & Cheese
Coleslaw
Cornbread
Mashed Potatoes
Pickles or Quick Pickled Veggies
Fresh Garden Salad

🔄 Variations of Hot Honey Chicken

This dish is versatile – try these fun twists:

Hot Honey Chicken Wings – Perfect for game day.
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – Serve crispy chicken on brioche buns with pickles.
Hot Honey Baked Chicken – Skip frying and bake at 400°F until crispy.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken – Crispy with less oil.
Spicy Maple Version – Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.

🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Add sauce after reheating.
Reheating: Best reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken

Double-dredge chicken for an extra-crispy crust.
Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for even frying.
Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels, to stay crisp.
Adjust hot honey spice level based on preference.

📖 A Quick History

Hot Honey as a condiment gained popularity in the 2010s thanks to Mike’s Hot Honey, a Brooklyn-based product inspired by Brazilian chili-infused honey. Pairing it with fried chicken quickly became a food trend, spreading across restaurants and social media.

Today, Hot Honey Chicken is a beloved Southern comfort dish with a gourmet edge, enjoyed worldwide.

🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: 520
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 880mg