Addictively Good Hot Honey Fried Chicken (Easy Recipe)

Sweet, spicy, crispy, and finger-lickin’ good — this Hot Honey Fried Chicken is everything you want in comfort food! It’s got juicy chicken, a gorgeously crunchy coating, and that signature hot honey glaze that makes it absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking for a fried chicken recipe with a kick, this one delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple steps.

About This Recipe

Hot Honey Fried Chicken is the kind of recipe that turns any day into a feast. It starts with boneless chicken pieces soaked in a flavorful buttermilk marinade with hot sauce, paprika, garlic, and chili powder — all the good stuff to infuse flavor into every bite. Then it’s coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until perfectly golden and crisp.

The real magic happens when it gets tossed in that spicy, sticky, garlicky hot honey sauce. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat from the hot sauce and pepper, making this the ultimate combo for your tastebuds. It’s bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

You can serve this with crispy fries (like I did!) and a side of creamy garlic mayo or ranch to cool down the heat. It’s great for dinner, game nights, or any time you want to treat yourself to something indulgent but still easy to make.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

This Hot Honey Fried Chicken is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients! Here’s everything you’ll need, along with tips and substitutes to customize it:

✅ For the Chicken & Marinade (Wet Batter)

• Boneless Chicken (350–400g): Thighs work best for juicy, tender chicken, but breast pieces or tenders can also be used.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. You can make a substitute using 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
• Hot Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds flavor and heat. Use your favorite kind—Frank’s, Cholula, or even sriracha. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount or use a milder sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning—adjust to taste.
• Garlic Powder or Paste: Either works. Garlic paste gives a fresher, more intense flavor.
• Chili Powder & Paprika: Adds spice and smokiness. You can reduce the chili powder if you prefer it less spicy.
• Egg: Helps bind the coating to the chicken. This is important for crispiness—try not to skip it.

✅ For the Dry Coating

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your crunchy coating. Gluten-free flour can work as a substitute if needed.
• Baking Powder: Adds extra crispiness to the fried crust—don’t skip this!
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cajun, Paprika: These seasonings build a flavorful crust. You can leave out one or two if you don’t have them all, but paprika and garlic powder are key.

✅ For the Hot Honey Sauce

• Hot Sauce (1/2 cup): Again, use your favorite brand and adjust quantity for desired heat.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Brings the sweetness that balances the heat. Maple syrup can be used for a different but delicious twist.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a fresh, garlicky kick. Can be skipped if you’re not a fan.
• Black Pepper: A finishing touch of spice—adjust to your liking.

🍽 Optional Add-Ons

• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley (as seen in the photo) for garnish.
• Dipping sauce like ranch or garlic mayo on the side.
• Thick-cut fries or coleslaw for the ultimate comfort meal combo!

How To Make Hot Honey Fried Chicken

Step 1: Make the wet batter, add the chicken, and marinate for 30 min.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients for the dry mixture, set aside.

Step 3: Coat the chicken in the dry mixture, dip back into the wet batter, and then one more time in the dry mixture. Repeat this process with all of the pieces of chicken.

Step 4: Deep fry the coated chicken until golden brown.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients for the hot honey sauce in a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat for a minute.

Step 6: Pour the sauce on the fried chicken and toss it to fully coat the chicken in the sauce.

Pro Tips

• Double dredge for extra crunch! Dip the chicken in the wet batter, then dry mix, and repeat once for that thick, crispy coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Work in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
• Adjust the spice to your taste — add less hot sauce or more honey depending on how spicy-sweet you want the glaze.
• Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack (not paper towels!) so it stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy.

How To Store Hot Honey Fried Chicken

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch.

You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge for 1 week.

FAQ’s

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Just adjust the frying time — bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through (about 6–8 minutes, depending on size).

Can I bake or air-fry this instead?

This recipe is designed for frying, but you can try air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes. It won’t be exactly the same, but still tasty.

What kind of hot sauce works best?

Use your favorite! I love using Frank’s RedHot or a classic Louisiana-style hot sauce for this.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken overnight and fry it fresh the next day. The sauce also holds up well in the fridge for a few days.

This Hot Honey Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet — basically, a flavor explosion on a plate. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again! Let me know in the comments how it turned out, and don’t forget to share a photo if you do!

Looking for more finger-lickin’ recipes to make next? Try my Spicy Chicken Pocket Sandwiches or Mini Pizza Cups!

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram, I would love to see your creations!