Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines crispy fried or baked chicken with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. This recipe offers a delightful balance of heat from chili flakes or hot sauce and sweetness from honey, making it a popular choice for dinner or as a party appetizer. Here’s how to make it:
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using chicken tenders, leave them as is. If using chicken thighs, cut them into strips.
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low until warm, stirring to combine.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken or toss them in a bowl to coat evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve the Hot Honey Chicken warm, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired. It pairs well with rice, salad, or on its own as an appetizer.
Enjoy!
This Hot Honey Chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a sweet and spicy kick. It’s easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!