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Baked Hot Honey Crispy Chicken garnished with herbs on a serving plate.

Hot Honey Crispy Chicken

A fun and crunchy chicken dish with a sweet and spicy glaze that stays crisp and flavorful.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and coating
  • 1 pound Chicken (tenders, thighs, or breasts) Tenders are easiest, thighs are juiciest.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk + lemon or vinegar.
  • 1 cup All purpose flour For coating.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Helps the crunch; can substitute with more flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Season for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Season for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Season for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Season for flavor.
  • 1 egg Egg Optional, adds better cling.
  • 2 cups Oil for frying Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
For the hot honey glaze
  • 1/2 cup Honey Base for the glaze.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Makes the glaze richer.
  • 1-2 teaspoons Hot sauce or chili flakes Your heat source.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry before marinating in buttermilk.
  2. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and optionally an egg; mix well.
  3. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Soak chicken in the buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it on to ensure it sticks.
  6. Let the breaded chicken rest on a rack or plate for 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
  2. Fry chicken in batches, not overcrowding the pan, until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Remove chicken from the oil and let drain on paper towels.
Making the glaze
  1. In a small pan over low heat, warm the honey and butter until melted.
  2. Stir in chili flakes or hot sauce, and add a pinch of salt.
  3. Taste and adjust heat as desired.
Serving
  1. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried chicken just before serving.
  2. Serve with extra hot honey on the side if desired.

Notes

Chicken can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Adjust the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes based on your heat preference.