If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and crispy comfort, this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. With tender chicken marinated in buttermilk, a crunchy seasoned coating, and a glossy drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delightful explosion of flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, the Hot Honey Chicken Recipe hits just the right note of comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy tang of buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken, to the smoky paprika that adds depth, these staples come together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half: The main protein that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and tenderizes the chicken for juicy bites.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that gives the chicken its crunch.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle savory kick, working through both the dredge and the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky background note to the coating.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): Provides the signature heat that defines hot honey.
- ¼ cup honey: Sweetens and balances the heat with natural floral notes.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the hot honey glaze.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Enhances the heat with an earthy depth in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in a bowl and covering them with the buttermilk. This will tenderize the meat and add moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or if you have the time, let it marinate overnight to really let those flavors soak in.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
While the chicken is marinating, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour mixture is key to creating that irresistible crispy crust that’s bursting with flavor. When ready, remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess before coating each piece evenly in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket, and give them a light spritz of cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust and is cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine the hot sauce, honey, butter, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sauce comes together silky smooth. This luscious hot honey glaze is the star of the show, marrying spicy, sweet, and buttery notes.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce evenly over each piece while still in the air fryer basket. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so it becomes bubbly and beautifully caramelized, creating a sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the crispy chicken.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the glazed chicken for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. Serve right away while everything’s warm, sticky, and irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is our go-to garnish here, adding vibrant green tones and a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. You could also scatter some thinly sliced green onions or a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for additional texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy roasted potatoes, a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or buttery steamed corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf soak up the sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your hot honey chicken over a bed of crunchy coleslaw for delightful contrast or tuck the chicken inside warm pita pockets with fresh cucumber and tzatziki for a fun twist. You might even turn it into a street-food-inspired sandwich, drizzling extra hot honey sauce generously on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover hot honey chicken is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze on the chicken pieces to retain all that sticky flavor and moisture.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen hot honey chicken can last up to 2 months and makes a convenient, delicious meal ready to reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to keep the coating crisp. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunchy texture and that incredible caramelized sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook, but the hot honey glaze works just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully done.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (205°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help it stay crispy, or pan-fry it in oil. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it cooks evenly.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and adjustable. If you like it milder, reduce the hot sauce and chili powder. For those who love serious spice, feel free to up the quantities or add a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Rewarm gently before glazing the chicken to bring back that lovely sticky consistency.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! You can customize the heat by reducing the hot sauce, making it perfectly kid-friendly while still keeping that sweet honey flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a total joy, especially when you see how simple ingredients come together to create such a crave-worthy dish. Whether you’re after a fiery weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for friends, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to chicken recipes!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious Hot Honey Chicken recipe featuring tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken breasts air fried to a golden crisp and glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor, or up to overnight for best results.
- Dredge Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid, and coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to promote a crispy exterior. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot sauce, honey, unsalted butter, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Glaze and Finish: After the initial cooking, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken pieces still in the air fryer basket. Spread the sauce evenly to coat. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized on the chicken.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield juicier and more flavorful results.
- Use cooking spray or lightly brush oil on the chicken to enhance crispiness in the air fryer.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and honey to taste for a milder or spicier glaze.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used as a dip or condiment.
