Save Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Hot Honey Butter Chicken, a dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a luscious, glossy sauce. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and savory crunch, making it a standout main dish for any occasion.
Save Using a buttermilk marinade ensures that every bite of chicken remains tender and moist while the seasoned flour coating provides a satisfying texture. Finished with a warm drizzle of hot honey, this chicken is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Step 2: Dry Coating
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Dredge
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat Oil
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Fry
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C), about 5–7 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Make Sauce
- While the chicken fries, make the hot honey butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in honey, hot sauce, cayenne, and a pinch of salt until smooth and warmed through.
- Step 7: Serve
- Place fried chicken on a serving platter and drizzle generously with hot honey butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken: dip again in buttermilk, then dredge a second time in the flour mixture before frying. This creates a thicker, more textured crust.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily swap the thighs for chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred. Additionally, you can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze.
Serviervorschläge
This Hot Honey Butter Chicken is excellent when served alongside soft rolls, tangy pickles, or a crisp, fresh coleslaw to balance the rich flavors.
Save Serve this dish immediately while the chicken is at its peak crispiness and the honey butter is warm and flowing. It is a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 20 minutes. For deeper, more developed flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- → What's the best oil temperature for frying?
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. This temperature ensures the exterior browns and crisps while the interior cooks through without becoming greasy.
- → How can I make it extra crispy?
Double-dip your chicken: coat in buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, then repeat the process before frying. This creates multiple layers for superior crunchiness.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Absolutely. Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts based on your spice preference. Start with less and add gradually until you reach your desired heat.
- → What side dishes pair well with this?
Serve alongside soft rolls, crisp pickles, or cool coleslaw to balance the richness of the hot honey butter sauce. These sides complement both the heat and sweetness perfectly.
- → Can I use different chicken cuts?
Yes, chicken breasts or drumsticks work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).