Description
Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spices with the sweetness of honey, making it a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over low until warmed through, stirring to combine.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the fried chicken just before serving or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk after the first dredge and then coating it in flour again.
- Try adding different spices to the flour mixture, such as smoked paprika or dried herbs, for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg