Hot Honey Chicken

$To make this tasty dish, you'll need the following main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and black pepper, to taste - ½ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a flavor-packed meal. The chicken thighs stay juicy from the buttermilk. The spices add warmth and depth. Hot honey gives the dish its signature kick. You can customize your hot honey chicken with these optional ingredients: - Lemon juice for a tangy twist - Chipotle powder for extra smokiness - Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor - Your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano Feel free to get creative! Each of these options adds different layers to the taste. To cook your hot honey chicken, gather these tools: - Mixing bowls for marinating - Shallow dish for the flour mixture - Large skillet for frying - Tongs for flipping the chicken - Meat thermometer to check doneness These tools help you make the process smooth and easy. You’ll have everything you need to create this delightful dish. For the full recipe, follow the steps outlined above! To start, gather your chicken thighs. In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything blends well. Add the chicken thighs to the mix, ensuring they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least one hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight. Next, grab a shallow dish. Pour in the all-purpose flour and add cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well. This helps every bite pack a punch. You want the seasoning to spread evenly throughout the flour. Now, it’s time to cook! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil looks hot and shimmering, carefully add your coated chicken thighs. Fry each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through, reaching 165°F (75°C) inside. Once cooked, drizzle hot honey over the thighs right in the skillet. Let it caramelize for about one minute on each side. This step adds a sweet glaze that enhances the flavor. Finally, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover hot honey from the skillet on top for extra flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your spicy and sweet hot honey chicken! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get that perfect crisp on your chicken, the key is in the coating. Use cold buttermilk for marinating. This helps keep the chicken moist. When you dredge the chicken in flour, make sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any extra flour. This step prevents a thick crust that can burn. Fry the chicken in hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows even cooking and avoids steaming. Cooking at the right temperature is vital. Heat your oil to medium-high before adding the chicken. The oil should shimmer, but not smoke. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you fry it too fast, the outside may burn while the inside stays raw. You can modify this recipe to fit your taste. If you don't have buttermilk, use plain yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Don't have cayenne pepper? Use another spice like chili powder for heat. For hot honey, mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce. This gives you that sweet and spicy kick. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} When you crave something different, try these fun twists on hot honey chicken. Each variation keeps the sweet and spicy kick but adds a new texture or flavor. Hot honey chicken wings are a game-day favorite. Start with fresh, crispy wings. Marinate them in the same buttermilk mix. Then, coat them in the seasoned flour. Fry or bake until crispy. Drizzle hot honey on top before serving. These wings are perfect for sharing! Chicken tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike. Use chicken breast cut into strips. Follow the same marinating and coating steps. Fry until golden brown and serve with hot honey. These tenders are great for dipping or as a main dish. For a quick meal, make a spicy hot honey chicken sandwich. Use the same chicken thighs, but stack them on a bun. Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Drizzle extra hot honey on top. This sandwich is great for lunch or dinner. Explore these variations to keep things exciting in your kitchen. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Each option brings a unique twist to your table! To keep your hot honey chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate any extra hot honey into a different container. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook it. You can freeze hot honey chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps the chicken from freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Hot honey is a sweet and spicy blend of honey and chili. It adds a kick to your meals. You can buy it or make it at home. To make your own, mix honey with crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili. The heat level depends on how much spice you add. Yes, you can make Hot Honey Chicken in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken in flour, place it on a baking sheet. Spray or drizzle some oil on top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Drizzle hot honey on the chicken in the last five minutes of cooking for a tasty glaze. Hot Honey Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Creamy coleslaw - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Rice or quinoa - Cornbread These sides balance the flavors and add variety to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Honey Drizzled Chicken Thighs above! Enjoy your cooking adventure! Hot honey chicken combines sweet and spicy in a tasty dish. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and handy tips for perfecting your chicken. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers. With these details, you can create a delicious meal at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking methods. Trust me, hot honey chicken will be a hit on your table!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of spicy honey drizzled chicken thighs! This easy recipe features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with flavorful spices. Fry to golden perfection and drizzle with sweet, spicy hot honey for a mouthwatering finish. Perfect for any meal, this dish is sure to impress! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to develop (overnight marination yields even better results).

Prepare the Dry Coating: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and mix in the cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix evenly to ensure the seasoning is distributed throughout the flour.

Coat the Chicken: Once marinated, take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator. Let any excess buttermilk drip back into the bowl. One by one, dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before setting them aside on a plate.

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the skillet. Fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Add the Hot Honey: Once the chicken is fully cooked, generously drizzle hot honey over each thigh while they remain in the skillet. Allow it to caramelize for around 1 minute on each side, enhancing the flavor and adding a savory-sweet glaze.

Serve: Use tongs to carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Drizzle any residual hot honey from the skillet over the chicken for an extra touch of flavor and shine.

- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the spicy and sweet combination!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4