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Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines the savory crunch of fried chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful twist that will impress your family and friends. The balance of heat from the hot sauce and sweetness from the honey creates a flavor explosion that makes this dish a must-try for any fried chicken lover.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of chicken (legs or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup honey
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, add the flour. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge each piece in the flour, coating thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 10-12 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce and honey over medium heat. Stir until well mixed and heated through. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but the cooking time may be shorter. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Chicken?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce or add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.
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