Imagine biting into a piece of chicken so crispy and golden that it practically sings when you crunch down. Now, add a drizzle of hot honey that dances on your taste buds, balancing sweet and spicy in the most delightful way. You’ve just envisioned Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, the superstar of any dinner table or backyard barbecue.

This dish isn’t just food it’s an experience. Picture yourself serving it up at a family gathering, with everyone raving about the flavors while sneaking extra pieces when they think no one is watching. Trust me this recipe will have your loved ones begging for seconds faster than you can say “hot honey.”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means even beginner cooks can impress their friends and family with minimal effort
- The flavor profile balances sweet heat perfectly, making every bite irresistible
- Its stunning golden color makes it a showstopper on any plate, catching eyes before palates
- Versatile enough to serve as a main course or snack, it fits any occasion from game day to dinner parties
Last summer, I made Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken for my cousin’s wedding reception. The moment the first batch hit the table, I became everyone’s favorite relative until someone else brought out the cake.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 chicken breasts adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for that perfect crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient helps achieve that extra crunch when fried.
- Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand to bring on the heat I recommend a vinegar-based sauce for tanginess.
- Honey: The star of our glaze opt for raw honey for deeper flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in your dish.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil for frying.
For the Sauce:
- Butter: Adds richness to our glaze unsalted butter works best here.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright note to balance all sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle brings depth and aroma to our hot honey glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures they fry up nice and crispy without excess moisture getting in the way.
Create Your Coating Mixture: In one bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful barrier between your chicken and the frying oil.
Drench and Dredge Time: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the coating mixture. Make sure they’re well-coated I like to shake off excess flour gently for an even crust.
Heat That Oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread it should sizzle immediately.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot oil one at a time without overcrowding them. Fry until golden brown and crispy about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Make Your Hot Honey Glaze: While chicken is frying, melt butter in a bowl and mix in honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth. This sauce is heavenly
Now that you have this delicious chicken sizzling away in your kitchen and that mouthwatering glaze ready to go, you’re just moments away from serving up Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken that will have everyone asking for more
You Must Know
- The secret to an irresistible Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken lies in the balance of heat and sweetness
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion
- Crispy skin meets sticky glaze, creating a mouthwatering texture that will have everyone begging for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a blend of spices and honey mixture. Fry them until golden brown, then glaze with hot honey while still warm for optimal adherence and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the honey for maple syrup or add garlic powder to the marinade. You can also mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist that elevates each bite.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore its crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying ideally, around 350°F
- This prevents greasy chicken and creates that perfect crispy crust
- Also, let your fried chicken rest on a wire rack this keeps it crunchy longer
It was my cousin’s wedding when I first made this Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, and it stole the show Guests couldn’t get enough and even asked for my secret recipe.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken works well but may require less cooking time.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The spice level varies adjust by using more or less chili flakes according to your preference.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken goes great with coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.

Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Hot Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken, where perfectly fried, crispy chicken meets a luscious glaze of sweet and spicy hot honey. This dish is not only a showstopper for any gathering but also an experience that will leave your guests clamoring for more. Easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, bringing a burst of flavor to your dinner table or backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (vinegar-based recommended)
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola or peanut) for frying
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the coating mixture, shaking off excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken breasts for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- While chicken fries, melt butter and mix with honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Once cooked, drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg