If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into crispy, juicy chicken that sings with a sweet, fiery glaze, Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is your new obsession. This irresistible Southern-inspired dish combines everything you love about classic fried chicken—crunchy coating, moist meat, bold spices—with a sticky, spicy-sweet honey glaze that takes every bite to a whole new level. Perfect for a weeknight treat, game day spread, or show-stopping family dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Get ready to dazzle your taste buds and wow your guests with Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how just a handful of classic, everyday ingredients can transform into the golden, spicy magic of Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken. Each element serves a special role, from building layers of deep flavor to ensuring a crave-worthy texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Chicken (2 pounds bone-in, skin-on pieces): Drumsticks and thighs are juicy and perfect for frying, maximizing flavor and tenderness.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle tang, while ensuring the coating sticks beautifully.
- Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon for marinade + 2 tablespoons for glaze): A touch of heat in the marinade and glazing sauce adds a satisfying spicy kick without overpowering.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The simple base for a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky depth and gorgeous color to the coating.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For rich, savory undertones in every crunchy bite.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the seasoned flour.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the warmth with its subtle bite.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings an extra layer of heat to satisfy spice lovers.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral and perfect for crisping up your chicken to deep golden perfection.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The sweet heart of the glaze, balancing spice and coating the chicken with a glossy shine.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness with a bright tang, making the glaze totally addictive.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Lends an extra spark to the hot honey glaze for that lingering heat.
How to Make Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by immersing your chicken pieces in a delicious buttermilk bath with a dash of hot sauce. This step is the secret to extra-juicy, tender meat and a final dish full of flavor. Let the chicken soak for at least four hours, or overnight if you have time—the wait is so worth it.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine your flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. This spiced flour mixture forms the crave-worthy, crunchy crust that makes Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken so special. Don’t be shy about seasoning—every bit adds to the deliciousness!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
One by one, remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Press each piece firmly into the seasoned flour, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. For an ultra-thick, extra-crispy crust, try the double-dip: flour, then buttermilk, then flour again.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Each piece should be golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes—flip occasionally for even crunch. Once done, let your chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for maximum crispness.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken cools slightly, it’s time to whip up that signature glaze! Gently warm honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until everything’s smooth and blended—the aroma alone is mouthwatering. Brush the hot honey glaze generously over your fried chicken, making it glisten and sizzle.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is now ready to enjoy! The combination of crispy, succulent chicken and fiery-sweet glaze is pure perfection. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience—the aroma and crackle are absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Turn up the wow factor by showering your chicken with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes. A few pickle slices on the side are traditional and cut through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with all your favorite Southern or picnic classics, like creamy coleslaw, buttery biscuits, corn on the cob, or tangy potato salad. For contrast, try it with crisp pickled vegetables or a simple green salad—anything that lets the hot honey glaze shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner chef by piling the chicken high on a platter drizzled with extra glaze. For a fun twist, serve mini fried chicken sliders on soft buns with a smear of mayo and a slice of pickle, or add leftover chicken to waffles for a brunch showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to preserve that crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead, freeze cooked, unglazed chicken pieces on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to two months. Reheat from frozen and glaze just before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-fryer flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy. Warm the glaze and brush over the chicken after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well, just reduce frying time by a few minutes and keep a close eye to prevent overcooking. Bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier, but boneless versions are great for sandwiches and sliders.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in both the marinade and glaze. The beauty of Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken is that you can customize the heat to your liking without sacrificing flavor.
Can I bake instead of fry?
While frying gives the crispiest results, you can also bake the coated chicken on a greased rack at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes (or until cooked through), flipping once. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a tasty, less oily version.
What type Main Course
Choose a good-quality, mild-flavored honey so it doesn’t overpower the glaze or clash with the spices. Clover or wildflower honey are great options—a little goes a long way!
Can I marinate the chicken for less than four hours?
If you’re in a time crunch, a quick 1-hour marinade is better than nothing, but longer is best for the most tender, flavorful results. Overnight marinating really lets the buttermilk and spices work their magic.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat, the blend of crispy crunch and sweet heat will always hit the spot. Get everyone around the table and don’t forget plenty of napkins—this is finger-licking heaven at its finest!
Print
Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken recipe combines juicy, crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a flavorful and indulgent meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Frying and Glaze:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Coat and Fry: Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour, then fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: Warm honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
- Glaze and Serve: Brush hot honey glaze over fried chicken before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip in flour and buttermilk before frying.
- Adjust the spice level in the glaze to suit your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
