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Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 90 reviews

Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and crispy chicken dish seasoned with a blend of spices and coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfectly cooked by frying, baking, or air frying, this versatile recipe delivers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness that complements the tender chicken pieces.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lb chicken pieces (wings, tenders, or thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder

Dredging and Cooking

  • 1 cup flour or cornstarch (for dredging, optional if frying)
  • 1 tbsp oil or spray (if baking or air frying)

Hot Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Prepare for Cooking: If you are frying the chicken, dredge each piece in flour or cornstarch for a crispy coating. If baking or air frying, lightly coat the chicken pieces with oil or spray to help achieve crispness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: fry the chicken at 350°F until golden and cooked through; or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes until crispy; or air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is crispy and fully cooked.
  4. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
  5. Glaze and Serve: Toss or brush the hot honey glaze over the cooked chicken just before serving to coat evenly. Serve the hot honey chicken warm alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour for dredging.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are cooked thoroughly; an internal temperature of 165°F is recommended.
  • Leftover glazed chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Try serving with celery sticks or a cooling ranch dip to balance the heat.