Sweet Heat on Repeat: Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken That’ll Blow Your Mind
If crispy fried chicken wasn’t irresistible enough, wait until you drench it in a buttery, spicy-sweet honey glaze. Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken is that perfect fusion of crunch, heat, and sticky-sweetness that’ll make you rethink everything you know about fried food. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday supper or game day, this mouthwatering dish will steal the show (and your heart).
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Spicy Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for added kick)
👨🍳 Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for max flavor.
Prep the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly so it sticks well.
Fry It Up: Carefully lower chicken into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Glaze and Serve: Brush the spicy honey butter generously over the fried chicken or drizzle right before serving.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Level Up Your Fried Chicken Game
- 🍗 Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Ensures steady oil temperature for golden, crispy results.
- 🌡️ Digital Instant-Read Thermometer – No more guessing—get that perfectly cooked interior every time.
- 🧂 Buttermilk Powder – A shelf-stable hack for juicy, tangy fried chicken brine.
- 🍯 Raw Organic Honey – Sweetens your glaze and adds beautiful shine.
- 🔥 Hot Sauce Sampler Pack – Explore flavor and fire with a variety of spicy options.
- 🥄 Basting Brush – Ideal for coating your chicken in that irresistible glaze.
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just want to treat yourself, this Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a crave-worthy combo of crispy, sweet, and spicy that hits every taste bud just right. Serve it with biscuits, coleslaw, or waffles for the full comfort food experience. Enjoy, and don’t forget to keep napkins close—things are about to get saucy.