Hot Honey Chicken Sticky Spicy Addictive

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever fancied Nando's with a serious upgrade? This hot honey chicken recipe gives you just that! It's a sweet, spicy, and sticky sensation. Honestly, the spicy honey glaze is chef's kiss .
Brief Overview
This delicious dish pulls inspiration from Southern comfort food. It's an easy chicken recipe , perfect for weeknights. Ready in under 45 minutes and serves four hungry people.
Main Benefits
Forget takeaways. This is a crispy chicken recipe that's also surprisingly satisfying. This sweet and spicy chicken makes any occasion better.
Plus, you know exactly what's going into it, unlike that dodgy takeaway.
Craving That Sweet Heat: Hot Honey Chicken is Here!
Right, so picture this: juicy, tender hot honey chicken thighs , coated in a spicy honey glaze that'll make your taste buds sing.
It's not your average fried chicken recipe , this is something special! We're talking a flavor explosion that's both comforting and exciting.
Think of it as a supercharged KFC copycat recipe , but way better. I swear down!
My Inspiration
Honestly, I was inspired by my love of the flavours of nandos chicken copycat with the twist of hot honey chicken sandwich .
I always try to incorporate different flavours when I am cooking, I had made a similar recipes before in my home when I was trying to do a southern fried chicken and it came really good!.
This isn't just any easy chicken recipe . It's your new go-to weeknight dinner ideas champion. Imagine golden brown chicken, drenched in a honey sriracha chicken sauce that has both sweet and fiery notes, all made in your kitchen!
Here's What You'll Need for the Magic
We are going to do a bit of a mix of oven fried chicken and chicken fryer recipe . Let's start with the ingredients you will need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (6g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying (approx. 3 cups/720ml)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (preferably local!)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot, Sriracha choose your adventure!)
- 1 teaspoon (2g) red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
Ingredients & Equipment for the BEST Hot Honey Chicken Recipe EVER
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this ridiculously good hot honey chicken recipe . Honestly, it's simpler than you think.
We're aiming for a crispy chicken recipe explosion, so let's get into it. Forget that KFC copycat recipe . You're making something better!
Main Ingredients for Seriously Good Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite sized, 1 inch pieces. Quality matters! Look for thighs that are plump and pink. Avoid any that look pale or have a weird smell.
- Flour Power: Grab 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour. This is the base for our southern fried chicken style coating.
- Spice is Nice: For maximum flavor, add 1 teaspoon (5g) of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon (6g) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (3g) onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon (3g) cayenne pepper (more if you're brave!), 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper. This is what makes the flavour, don't skip it!.
- Egg Wash Magic: Whisk together 2 large eggs with 1/4 cup (60ml) of milk. This helps the flour stick to the chicken. I tried it without the egg one time, and I was not good.
- Frying Time: You'll need about 3 cups (720ml) of vegetable or peanut oil for frying. Peanut oil gives it that proper fried chicken recipe flavor.
Nailing that Spicy Honey Glaze - Essential Seasoning Notes
- Honey: 1/2 cup (170g) of good quality honey is key. Local honey is the best, if you can get your hands on it. It adds a unique flavour and supports local business.
- Tangy Touch: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness. Don't skip this.
- Buttery Goodness: 2 tablespoons (30g) of unsalted butter adds richness and shine.
- Heat Factor: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of your favourite hot sauce. Frank's RedHot or Sriracha are both great options. For extra heat, add 1 teaspoon (2g) of red pepper flakes.
- A Pinch of Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) of salt ties it all together.
Honestly, this spicy honey glaze is what makes the whole hot honey chicken thighs sing! You could even use this for chicken and waffles .
It makes a great honey sriracha chicken . If you are looking for some inspiration on weeknight dinner ideas , this is a great option!
Essential Equipment - Keep it Simple!
- Bowls: You'll need a couple of large bowls for dredging the chicken.
- Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying. A deep skillet works best. You can also use a baking sheet for a baked chicken recipe .
- Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan for the hot honey recipe .
- Meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
You don't need fancy equipment for this. It's a delicious easy chicken recipe , not rocket science! So, grab your gear, and let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Frying Our Hot Honey Chicken
Right, let's chat about getting this hot honey chicken recipe spot on . We're talking crispy, juicy, and utterly addictive, yeah? I've made my fair share of fried chicken blunders, so I'm gonna let you know all the tricks I've learned.
This ain't just any fried chicken recipe ; this is special .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate
First up, the dreaded prep! Honestly, prepping everything before you start cooking is crucial. It's like having a good cuppa before facing a Monday morning.
Get your hot honey chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces, get all your spices measured out, and have your egg wash ready.
Time saving tip? Pre-measure your spices into a little bowl the night before. BOOM. You are ready to go!
Speaking of prepping, please remember safety first, and don't cross contaminate your chicken. It's not worth getting ill over delicious chicken.
step-by-step Process: From Cluck to Chuck!
Here's how you're going to get it done:
- Dredge time! Mix your flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs and milk.
- Dip your crispy chicken recipe pieces into the egg wash, then the flour mixture, making sure it's totally coated. Like a nice warm coat on a cold evening.
- Heat your vegetable or peanut oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Too low, and you'll get soggy chicken. Too high, and you'll burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Aim for that perfect goldilocks zone!
- Fry the chicken in batches for 5- 7 minutes until golden brown. The internal temperature needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
Once cooked, drain your easy chicken recipe pieces on a wire rack, this will help with the crispiness! Make sure the coating is a beautiful, deep golden brown. Now, let's get saucy!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success!
Wanna know how to level up your game with this chicken fryer recipe ? Here's a couple of banging tips.
First, don't overcrowd the pan . Honestly, that's the biggest mistake people make. Work in batches. Keep the chicken crispy by broiling it for a minute or two after tossing it in the sauce, if needed.
One thing I learned from trial and error, adjust the heat to your preference; if you want that extra kick, add extra chilli flakes, and turn your dish into honey sriracha chicken .
This spicy honey glaze recipe is all about customisation!
So there you have it, our ultimate guide to making this delicious hot honey chicken recipe . Get your frying on and enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Hot Honey Chicken, Unlocked!
Right then, you're itching to make this hot honey chicken recipe . Ace! But before you get flour everywhere (we've all been there!), let's chat about some insider tips and tricks.
This isn't just another fried chicken recipe , this is your hot honey chicken recipe , so let's make it perfect.
Serving Suggestions: Get That Instagram Worthy Plate!
Listen, presentation matters, yeah? For this crispy chicken recipe , think vibrant! Pile that hot honey chicken thighs high. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a touch of class.
For sides, some k_annotated = ['coleslaw', 'mac and cheese', 'pickled vegetables'] or a side salad works wonders. Feeling fancy? Chicken and waffles would be awesome!.
Don't forget your favourite drinks.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh, Bruv
Alright, leftovers. Let's be real, if there any hot honey chicken thighs left, you're winning!. For refrigeration, pop the chicken into an airtight container.
It will keep for about 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispy chicken recipe . I don't recommend freezing this one.
The spicy honey glaze gets a bit weird. But you know? Experiment!
Variations: Make it Your Dish
Honestly, the basic hot honey chicken recipe is banging as is. But, let's get creative. For a lighter version, try using baked chicken recipe instead.
For dietary adaptations, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour. For a change of flavour, sub some honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit Naughty, A Lotta Bit Nice
Look, it's fried chicken recipe , so let's not pretend it's health food, right? But hey, chicken is a great source of protein!.
The honey has antioxidants, so that is nice. But be aware of the estimated calories and sodium intake. This could be a good option of weeknight dinner ideas and tastes delicious.
Honestly, whether you're aiming for a Nandos chicken copycat or just want a sweet and spicy chicken fix, this easy chicken recipe is a winner.
Don't be afraid to experiment with the spicy honey glaze ! Get in that kitchen and make something amazing!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to make sure my hot honey chicken recipe is crispy, and not soggy?
Crispy chicken is the holy grail, isn't it? The key is not to overcrowd the pan when frying this lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches, making sure the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C). Also, drain the fried chicken on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off.
If baking, use a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to promote air circulation.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for this hot honey chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you're watching the waistline, or just fancy a change! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While it won't be quite as crispy as fried chicken, it's still delicious, especially when smothered in that hot honey sauce.
How can I adjust the spice level in this hot honey chicken recipe? I don't want to blow my head off!
Spice is a personal thing, like Marmite you either love it or hate it! Start with the recommended amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce, then taste the sauce. If you want more heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash more hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
A little squeeze of honey can neutralize the heat.
What's the best way to store leftover hot honey chicken? Will it still be good the next day?
Leftovers, if you have any! Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be warned, it won't be as crispy the next day as the sauce will soften the coating. You can try reheating it in the oven or air fryer to crisp it up a bit, but it's best enjoyed fresh.
However, you could consider saving the sauce seperately from the chicken to avoid this.
I'm vegetarian! Can I still enjoy a hot honey style dish? What can I substitute for the chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Hot honey isn't just for chicken. Try using breaded cauliflower florets or halloumi cheese instead of chicken. Simply follow the same dredging and frying (or baking) instructions as you would for the chicken. You could also try tofu or even mushrooms, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The sauce is the star, so any good protein source will work with it!
What goes well with hot honey chicken? What are some good side dishes?
This hot honey chicken is fantastic with a variety of sides. Classic pairings include coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread. For something lighter, try pickled vegetables or a simple side salad. The acidity of the pickles or the freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly!
Hot Honey Chicken Sticky Spicy Addictive

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |