The crispy crunch of Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken is music to your taste buds, a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Imagine the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this dish, luscious sweetness meeting that unmistakable kick of heat. It’s a feast for all senses, and trust me, no one can resist it.
This dish isn’t just about chicken; it’s about memories made around the dinner table, laughter shared between bites, and the joy of finding the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Whether it’s a Sunday family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken always steals the show and keeps everyone coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken recipe is easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks
- With its irresistible sweet and spicy flavor profile, it will surely impress your family and friends
- The golden-brown crust and sticky honey glaze create an eye-catching dish that looks as good as it tastes
- Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for versatility at any meal!
Ingredients for Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Pieces: Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for juicy results; skin-on is preferred for extra crunch.
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that signature crispy coating; you can season it to elevate flavor.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch helps achieve a super-crispy texture when frying; don’t skip this!
Hot Sauce: Use your favorite brand; this adds the essential heat component to the chicken marinade.
Honey: A sweet touch that balances the heat perfectly; opt for local honey if possible to support local beekeepers.
Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and warmth to the seasoning; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
For the Sauce:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of honey wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining hot sauce with your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Let those bad boys soak in all that spicy goodness for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re feeling fancy).
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating
In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful crust that’ll be hard to resist.
Step 3: Dredge Like a Pro
Take each marinated chicken piece out of its spicy bath and dredge it in your flour mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny gets coated – we want maximum crunch here!
Step 4: Heat Up the Oil
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat enough oil (about two inches deep) over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling at around 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry Away
Carefully place your coated chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 12-15 minutes per side depending on size.
Step 6: Make Your Sauce
While your chicken is frying away, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until combined. Adjust sweetness or spiciness according to your taste!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve hot with biscuits or coleslaw for an authentic Southern experience!
You Must Know
- This Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience
- Crispy, spicy, and sweet, it brings flavor fireworks to your dinner table
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in that juicy goodness, then prepare your hot honey sauce while it cooks. Finally, toss the crispy chicken in the sauce for that perfect blend of flavors. Timing is everything for mouthwatering results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder in your seasoning mix. You can also swap out the honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous. Get creative and make this dish uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until crispy again, or use an air fryer for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate crunch, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; it leads to soggy chicken
- Let your fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness
Sometimes I think my kitchen could be a sitcom set—especially when my family can’t resist sneaking bites before I even finish cooking this Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken! It’s always a hit at our gatherings.
FAQs:
What makes Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken unique?
Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken stands out due to its perfect blend of spicy and sweet flavors. The chicken is marinated in a mix of buttermilk and spices, ensuring juicy, tender meat. After frying to a crispy golden-brown, it gets drizzled with hot honey. This combination creates a delightful contrast that elevates the dish, making it a favorite in Southern cuisine.
How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture for fried chicken?
To achieve the perfect crispy texture for Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken, ensure you use cold buttermilk for marinating the chicken. Dredging it in seasoned flour is crucial; coat each piece thoroughly. Frying at the right temperature—about 350°F—is key to getting that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
Can I make Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken in an air fryer. Marinate and coat the chicken as usual. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Use hot honey after cooking to maintain that sweet-spicy flavor profile while reducing oil usage.
What sides pair well with Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken?
Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with baked beans or mac and cheese for a hearty meal. Fresh greens such as collard greens or a simple garden salad add a refreshing balance to the dish’s richness.
Conclusion for Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken:
In summary, Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze. The secret lies in marinating the chicken properly and achieving the right frying temperature for that perfect crunch. Pair it with traditional Southern sides for a complete meal experience that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this flavorful recipe that represents true Southern comfort food!
Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a delectable dish that perfectly balances crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. This crowd-pleaser fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and encourages laughter around the dinner table. Ideal for both family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe will surely win hearts and appetites alike.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in hot sauce for at least one hour or overnight.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for about 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the sauce, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce over low heat until blended.
- Drizzle the sauce over the fried chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
