Hot Honey Chicken Dinner: A Spicy and Sweet Recipe for Your Next Meal

Hot Honey Chicken Dinner is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, making it a favorite in many households. As I prepared this recipe for the first time, I was instantly captivated by the aroma that filled my kitchen, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy evenings. This dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where the combination of honey and heat has been celebrated for generations, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.

People love Hot Honey Chicken Dinner not only for its incredible taste but also for its satisfying texture. The crispy chicken, drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze, creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a convenient meal that can be whipped up on a busy weeknight or served at a special occasion. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 pound of your favorite side (like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor. Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Coating

2. While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Frying the Chicken

3. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Let the excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a nice crust.
4. In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
5. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will keep the chicken crispy.

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

7. While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
8. Allow the mixture to warm up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help meld the flavors together. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
9. Once the sauce is heated through, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Dish

10. Now it’s time to bring everything together! On a serving platter, arrange the crispy fried chicken breasts. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top of the chicken. You can also serve the sauce on the side for those who prefer to control their heat level.
11. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
12. Don’t forget to prepare your side dish! Whether you choose roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, make sure it complements the spicy sweetness of the hot honey chicken.

Serving Suggestions

13. Serve the hot honey chicken immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Pair it with your chosen side and enjoy a delightful meal that balances sweet and spicy flavors.
14. If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Hot Honey Chicken Dinner is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals with a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness. The combination of crispy chicken, spicy honey glaze, and savory sides creates a delightful balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you serve it with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, this dish is versatile enough to suit any palate. Feel free to get creative with variations! You can swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein twist, or add your favorite spices to the honey glaze for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own. I can’t wait for you to try this Hot Honey Chicken Dinner! Once you do, please share your experience and any personal touches you added. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover the joy of cooking. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together! Print
    

    Hot Honey Chicken Dinner: A Spicy and Sweet Recipe for Your Next Meal

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    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 80 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

    Print Recipe

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    Description

    Enjoy crispy Hot Honey Chicken with tender, marinated chicken breasts coated in a flavorful spice blend and fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
    • Vegetable oil (for frying)
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
    • 1 pound of your favorite side (like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes)

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    Instructions

    1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
    2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
    3. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Let the excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a nice crust.
    4. In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
    5. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
    6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
    7. While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
    8. Allow the mixture to warm up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
    9. Once heated through, remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
    10. On a serving platter, arrange the crispy fried chicken breasts. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top of the chicken, or serve it on the side.
    11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
    12. Prepare your side dish, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, to complement the spicy sweetness of the hot honey chicken.
    13. Serve the hot honey chicken immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Enjoy a delightful meal that balances sweet and spicy flavors.
    14. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    • For extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the recipe.
    • This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative!

    • Prep Time: 60 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes