This Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, savory chicken and sweet, spicy honey glaze. Tender chicken is coated in a flavorful seasoning, cooked until golden and crispy, then finished with a sticky hot honey sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. It’s an easy chicken dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anyone who loves sweet and spicy recipes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on their size, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Add the honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder to a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined.
Avoid boiling the sauce, as you only need it warmed through.
6. Coat the Chicken
Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is coated with the sweet and spicy glaze.
7. Serve
Transfer the Hot Honey Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is warm.
Recipe Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your chicken.
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, while chicken breast gives you a leaner option.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle a little extra hot honey over the chicken just before serving for even more sweet-heat flavor.
