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Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 78 reviews

Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy, sweet glaze made from honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whether you bake, air fry, or fry the chicken, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy results accented by the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this crowd-pleasing recipe pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lb chicken pieces (wings, tenders, or thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder

Coating

  • 1 cup flour or cornstarch (for dredging, optional if frying)
  • 1 tbsp oil or cooking spray (if baking or air frying)

Hot Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper or chili powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss them thoroughly to coat. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Prepare for cooking: If you choose to fry the chicken, dredge each piece in flour or cornstarch to create a crispy exterior. For baking or air frying, lightly coat the chicken with oil or cooking spray to help crispness develop.
  3. Cook the chicken: Depending on your preferred method, follow the directions below until the chicken is crispy and cooked through:
    • Fry at 350°F (175°C) in a skillet or deep fryer until golden and cooked inside, about 8-10 minutes.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.
    • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway to ensure even cooking.
  4. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
  5. Glaze and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, immediately toss it gently in the hot honey glaze or brush the glaze over each piece. Serve warm with your favorite sides for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the level of spiciness.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour for dredging.
  • If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the chicken crisps evenly.
  • The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; gently warm before applying.
  • Serve with cooling sides like coleslaw or ranch dressing to balance the heat.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/hot-honey-chicken-recipe/