There’s nothing quite like the smell of hot honey chicken in my kitchen. I made it for my family on a cold evening. I wanted something warm and tasty.
As I mixed honey with hot sauce, I was excited. Would they like it? Would it become our favorite?
With each crispy layer on the chicken, I couldn’t wait for dinner. Taking that first bite, I knew it was the best. Sweet and spicy together was perfect.
My family loved it, and it became a regular dish. It’s perfect for any time!
What is Hot Honey Chicken?
Hot honey chicken is a tasty dish. It has crispy chicken covered in a sweet and spicy honey sauce. This mix is made with hot honey, which is honey with hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
The dish has a crunchy chicken outside and a yummy sauce inside. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
To make homemade hot honey chicken, you need just five ingredients. It’s ready in about five minutes. Cooking time varies, but it’s easy for busy days.
Each bite has about 255 calories, 20g of carbs, and 30g of protein. It’s a mix of hot and sweet that’s hard to resist. It’s a hit in my house and with many home cooks.
Why Hot Honey Chicken is a Family Favorite
Hot honey chicken is loved for its mix of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s a hit for family dinners. This dish is easy to make and pleases everyone’s taste buds.
The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Spicy
The sweet honey and spicy hot sauce mix is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. You can even dip it in honey to make it your own.
A Dish Everyone Can Agree On
Hot honey chicken is a favorite in many homes. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and serve.
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hot Honey Chicken
To make perfect hot honey chicken, you need some key ingredients. This dish is great for four people. It has a sweet and spicy taste that everyone loves.
Main Ingredients
- 40 ounces of chicken breast tenderloins, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1/4 cup honey (approximately 84 grams)
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons spicy honey (example brand: Mike’s Hot Honey)
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Spices and Seasonings
To make your spicy honey chicken even better, add some spices and seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili powder or red pepper flakes for more heat
When you mix all these ingredients, you get a delicious honey glazed chicken. It’s perfect for impressing your family and friends. Each bite is full of flavor and texture, making it a great meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast tenderloins | 40 ounces |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Spicy honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 4 cloves minced |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons, divided |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hot Honey Chicken
Want to make hot honey chicken? Follow these easy steps. You’ll make a dish that will wow your guests.
- Marinate the Chicken: Begin with 2 pounds of organic chicken breasts. Put them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours. But, for the best taste, soak it for up to 8 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Coating: In a big bowl, mix 1 cup of Honey Nut Cheerios until fine. Add 2 teaspoons of On Everything All-Purpose Blend, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. This mix gives a special crunch and flavor.
- Dredging Process: Dip each chicken piece in an egg wash made with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Then, roll them in the Honey Nut Cheerios mix until they’re fully coated.
- Baking the Chicken: Put the coated chicken on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices in and makes it juicy and tasty.
This method adds a unique twist to chicken dishes. Follow these steps to make your own hot honey chicken for any event!
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Coating Techniques
To make crispy hot honey chicken, you need to know how to coat it right. The right ingredients are key to getting that perfect crunch. Cornflakes are a must, giving a light and crispy texture.
The Importance of Cornflakes
Cornflakes are cheap and great for a crispy coating. They make the chicken taste better and feel crunchier. Crush them into small pieces for a better crunch.
This will make your hot honey chicken recipe even better. The cornflakes soak up the flavors and add a great crunch.
Tips for a Thicker Coating
Want a thicker coating? Try double dredging. First, dip in egg, then in cornflakes and spices. If it’s not thick enough, dip again.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps the coating stick better. This makes the chicken juicy and crunchy, turning a simple dish into a memorable one.
| Coating Techniques | Description |
|---|---|
| Cornflakes | Provides a light, crispy texture ideal for hot honey chicken. |
| Double Dredging | Dip in egg, coat in cornflakes, then repeat for a thicker crust. |
| Resting Time | Let coated chicken sit for 5 minutes to enhance coating adhesion. |
| Crushing Consistency | Crush cornflakes to a coarse texture, ensuring better crunch. |
Making the Delicious Hot Honey Sauce
Making hot honey sauce is easy and fast. It makes spicy honey chicken sauce even better. You need just a few things to make a tasty sauce in under five minutes. Let’s learn how to make hot honey sauce for your hot honey chicken.
Ingredients for the Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Texas Pete hot sauce (or your choice)
- 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic (adjustable)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
How to Achieve the Right Consistency
Start by mixing honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Heat it on medium for 3-5 minutes to warm the honey.
If you want thicker sauce, simmer for 8 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. You’ll get about 1/3 cup of sauce, good for 8 servings.
Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks. It stays good at room temperature for three months. Hot honey is great with many dishes, adding a nice touch.
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken
When serving hot honey chicken, think outside the box. It makes the dish unforgettable. Try pairing it with the best sides for a balanced meal.
Crispy sweet potato fries are a great choice. They offer a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken. A vibrant coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and complements the dish’s rich flavors.
For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over fluffy rice. The rice soaks up the sauce, making each bite better. A corn salad with sweet corn, green onions, and cilantro adds a zesty touch.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It looks good and makes the flavors pop.
These tips make the meal perfect for family dinners or parties. They turn a tasty dish into a special feast, no matter the occasion.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of hot honey chicken, it’s important to know how to properly store any leftovers. To ensure the best quality when reheating, I follow a few simple guidelines. Storing hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator allows me to enjoy it for 2 to 3 days. I prefer not to let it linger too long, as freshness is key.
How to Reheat for Maximum Crispiness
When it’s time to indulge in those tasty leftovers, I find that the best way to reheat chicken is key. I recommend preheating the oven to 400°F and placing the chicken on a baking sheet. This method heats the chicken evenly while giving it that crispy texture I crave. It usually requires around 10-15 minutes until the chicken is hot and ready to serve.
For those who own an air fryer, this appliance works wonders for reheating leftovers. Setting it to 375°F and air frying for 3-4 minutes can restore the chicken’s crunch without adding extra oil. I usually avoid using the microwave because it makes the coating soggy, which diminishes the meal’s quality.
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 400°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Air Fryer | 375°F | 3-4 minutes |
| Microwave | N/A | Not Recommended |
These methods ensure that I’m enjoying the best possible version of my leftover hot honey chicken every time I reheat it. Whether using the oven or air fryer, I can savor those sweet and spicy flavors without sacrificing texture.
Easy Variations on Hot Honey Chicken
Hot honey chicken is very flexible. You can try many new things with it. This keeps your meals interesting and true to the original.
Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders
Want to mix up your dinner? Try making spicy honey chicken tenders. Cut chicken breasts into strips and soak them in buttermilk. This makes them tender.
Then, coat the strips in flour mixed with spices and red pepper flakes. Fry them in 2 tablespoons of oil for 3-5 minutes on each side. They come out crispy and tasty, perfect with hot honey dressing.
Honey Glazed Chicken Alternatives
Looking for a healthier option? Try honey glazed chicken alternatives. Use chicken thighs or extra firm tofu for a veggie version. Replace chicken with tofu, use vegan mayo, and maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend without frying. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and stir-fried veggies for a full meal.
| Variation | Main Ingredients | Cooking Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders | Chicken breasts, buttermilk, flour, spices | Fried | Approx. 30 minutes |
| Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders (Vegan) | Extra firm tofu, vegan mayo, maple syrup | Baked | Approx. 30 minutes |
These easy changes to hot honey chicken let you be creative. You can make spicy honey chicken and honey glazed chicken your own. Just a little creativity makes meals fun and tasty.
Final Thoughts: Creating the Best Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
When I started making the ultimate hot honey chicken, I was surprised. It’s easy yet very tasty. The secret is in the mix of flavors, from the crunchy outside to the sweet and spicy honey.
This dish is great for family dinners. It’s also perfect for parties with friends. And the best part? It’s ready in just 45 minutes.
Feel free to make it your own. Add your special touches. I’d love to hear about your creations. Share your ideas in the comments!
