Experience the irresistible fusion of sweet and spicy flavors with this Hot Honey Chicken recipe, where golden, crispy fried chicken drumsticks get a bold upgrade with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce. Marinated in tangy buttermilk for ultimate tenderness and coated in a perfectly seasoned flour blend, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and juicy center. The star of the dish—the hot honey sauce—is made with honey, red pepper flakes, and a splash of white vinegar, creating a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that's utterly addictive. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with cooling sides like coleslaw or potato salad. Ready in just about an hour, Hot Honey Chicken is perfect for fans of bold, comforting flavors and crispy indulgence!
In a large bowl, pour buttermilk over the chicken drumsticks and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating.
Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-duty pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and white vinegar over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to simmer and the flavors meld, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the hot honey from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Drizzle the warm hot honey over the fried chicken and serve immediately.
Calories |
10120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 929.4 g | 1192% | |
| Saturated Fat | 150.1 g | 750% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 538.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 798 mg | 266% | |
| Sodium | 5807 mg | 252% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 312.2 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 122.7 g | ||
| Protein | 220.3 g | 441% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.3 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 715 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 2948 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.