Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Flavor Explosion

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a combination of crispy, crunchy texture with bold, sweet, and spicy flavors. This dish features juicy chicken coated in a crunchy batter and drizzled with a mouthwatering hot honey sauce. It’s the ideal meal for those who crave the perfect balance between heat and sweetness.

The crispy exterior combined with the fiery, sweet honey glaze makes this dish an irresistible treat. Whether you serve it as a main course or an appetizer, Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will quickly become a favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or a weekend indulgence. For more spicy-sweet combinations, check out this Honey Hot Chicken Wings recipe or explore this Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe | Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious fusion of crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet, spicy honey glaze. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, fried to golden crispness, and then drizzled with a hot honey sauce that balances heat and sweetness in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and sweet—ideal for dinner, lunch, or even as a game day snack. Serve it with your favorite side dishes or over rice for a complete meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste; sriracha or Tabasco work well)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy balance)

For Garnish (optional):

• Chopped parsley or cilantro
• Extra red pepper flakes (for garnish)A

---

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them into tenders or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Coat the Chicken:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
• Fry the Chicken:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the chicken pieces halfway.
• Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully place the chicken pieces in the oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
• Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is warm and slightly thinner (about 2-3 minutes).
• Taste and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if desired.

Coat the Chicken with Hot Honey:

• Once all the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken pieces, or toss the chicken in a bowl with the sauce to coat evenly.

Serve:

• Serve the crunchy hot honey chicken with your favorite side dishes such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and extra red pepper flakes for added flair.

Notes

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• If you want the chicken to be even crispier, you can double coat it by dipping it back into the egg wash and flour mixture before frying.
• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for the best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American / Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 2-3 chicken tenders per person)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips or leave them whole depending on your preference. If using whole chicken breasts, you can also lightly pound them to an even thickness for faster cooking.
2. Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Prepare the hot honey sauce: While the chicken is frying, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Once all the chicken pieces are fried, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken, or toss the chicken pieces in the sauce to coat them thoroughly.
7. Serve and garnish: Serve your Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
8. Enjoy: Pair the chicken with a side of fries, rice, or a simple salad, and enjoy the sweet and spicy explosion of flavor!

Advanced Techniques

Elevate your Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with these advanced techniques:

1. Marinate the Chicken

For extra tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or a mixture of milk and hot sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before coating. This will make the chicken more juicy and flavorful.

2. Double-Coating the Chicken

For an extra crispy exterior, try double-coating the chicken. After the first coat of breadcrumbs, dip the chicken back into the egg wash and coat again with breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier crust.

3. Air Fryer Method

If you want a healthier version of Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry in batches for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. Spice Variations

Adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Use different hot sauces, such as sriracha, chipotle, or even a spicy barbecue sauce for a unique flavor twist.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve made your Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, here’s how to store and maintain it:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken before coating it in the hot honey sauce. Place the cooled chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, to restore its crispiness.
• Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave, though it won’t stay as crispy. Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Customize this recipe to meet various dietary preferences:

1. Gluten-Free

To make Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour (such as rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend) for the coating.

2. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the hot honey sauce with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure the chicken is fried in vegetable oil or another dairy-free option.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

To make this dish keto-friendly, skip the flour and breadcrumbs entirely and coat the chicken in a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also use a sugar-free hot sauce for the glaze to keep the carbs low.

4. Spicy Vegan Option

To create a vegan version, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Coat the tofu with the same flour mixture, fry until crispy, and then drizzle with the hot honey sauce. You can also use a plant-based hot sauce.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before using.

Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?

Yes! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

You can use bone-in chicken pieces, such as wings or drumsticks, for this recipe. Just increase the frying time to ensure the chicken is cooked through, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone craving a combination of crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it as an appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings or sides for a full meal experience!