Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Imagine crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet, sticky honey glaze with just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will elevate your dinner experience. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight meals or special occasions. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delicious journey of cooking Hot Honey Chicken together! Your taste buds will thank you!

Jump to:

What is Hot Honey Chicken
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken
Prepare the Hot Honey
Make the Crispy Chicken Coating
Dredge the Chicken
Fry the Chicken
Drizzle with Hot Honey and Serve
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
Pairing Ideas
FAQs
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What is Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken is an irresistible dish featuring crispy chicken bites drizzled with a sweet, spicy honey glaze. This delightful combination of textures and flavors brings comfort food to a whole new level, making it a favorite among many.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken

Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just love a deliciously sticky treat, this Hot Honey Chicken will captivate your taste buds. The crunch of the chicken pairs perfectly with the warm, soothing sweetness of hot honey, offering a mouthwatering experience that you won’t forget. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to whip up for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (approx. 18 pieces)
3 cups corn flakes, ground in a food processor
3/4 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
3 large eggs, beaten
Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
1 cup honey (suggestion: Southwest Local Hive Honey)
2 tbsp chili flakes
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken

Prepare the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the chili flakes and honey. Bring it to a simmer (not a boil) and let it simmer for 5 minutes. After that, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Transfer the hot honey to a clean, air-tight container and allow it to cool to room temperature. If you prefer a milder taste, you can strain out the chili flakes after about 10 minutes. This delicious concoction can be stored in an air-tight container for around two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the fridge.

Make the Crispy Chicken Coating

Now, let’s tackle the crispy chicken coating. In a large bowl, mix together the ground corn flakes, panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, paprika, and a teaspoon of salt. This combination offers a delightful crunch and flavor that will perfectly complement the chicken. While you’re mixing, season the chicken cubes with a heavy pinch of salt to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

Dredge the Chicken

For the dredging process, set up three bowls: one filled with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last filled with your breadcrumb mixture. Start dredging each chicken piece by coating it in flour, dipping it in the egg, and then rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely covered. This triple-dipping method gives the chicken its signature crunch.

Fry the Chicken

Next, it’s time to fry! In a heavy pot, heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces one by one, making sure not to overcrowd the pan; this allows for even cooking. Fry the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through (you want that internal temperature to hit 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a cooling rack to get rid of any excess oil.

Drizzle with Hot Honey and Serve

Now for the pièce de résistance! Once the chicken has cooled slightly, drizzle the hot honey over each piece or toss the chicken in the hot honey for a more generous coating. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy the delightful crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Chicken is sensational on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh salad. Alternatively, consider serving it in a sandwich or on a platter as an appetizer for your next gathering—it’s sure to impress!

Tips for Success

Ensuring that the oil is at the right temperature before frying is crucial; it prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
Don’t skip the resting time on the cooling rack; it helps keep the chicken crispy.
Feel free to experiment with the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey to suit your desired spice level.

Variations

For a juicier option, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
Try alternative sweeteners like agave or maple syrup in the hot honey for a unique twist.
Adding garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture can provide an extra flavor kick.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain that crispy exterior, reheating in an oven is recommended instead of a microwave.

Pairing Ideas

Pair Hot Honey Chicken with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade to balance the heat and sweetness.
Enjoy it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
For something a little different, serve it alongside pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating and dredging.

2. How do I make the hot honey spicier?
Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

3. Can I bake Hot Honey Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.

4. Is Hot Honey Chicken kid-friendly?
Definitely! Just adjust the spice in the hot honey to suit their tastes.

5. What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken for a complete meal?
Pair it with quick sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a garden salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Crafting a delectable Hot Honey Chicken can be a rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into a sensational dish. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food while allowing for personal touches and modifications. Enjoy exploring flavors and share this crowd-pleaser with family and friends!

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