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Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Golden, crispy fried chicken gets tossed in a glossy blend of honey, butter, and spicy hot sauce for the ultimate sweet-heat experience. Marinated in tangy buttermilk for tenderness, each piece is coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, then fried to crunch perfection. The spicy honey butter sauce comes together in minutes and can be brushed, drizzled, or used to toss the chicken for an irresistibly sticky finish. Enjoy with biscuits, coleslaw, or waffles for a comforting twist packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:35:59 GMT
A plate of fried chicken with a honey dipping sauce. Save
A plate of fried chicken with a honey dipping sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com
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Spicy honey butter fried chicken is an irresistible comfort food that brings together crispy fried chicken pieces with a sticky sweet heat. Every bite is loaded with buttery goodness and just the right hint of spice. I find this recipe brings excitement to both weekday dinners and special gatherings.

I still remember making this for a friend’s birthday and hearing everyone ask for the secret behind that glossy spicy glaze.

Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: for juicy tender fried chicken
  • Buttermilk or milk plus lemon juice: this makes the chicken extra tender during marinating
  • Salt and black pepper: seasons all layers and brings out flavors
  • Garlic powder: builds savory depth and complements the honey sauce
  • Cayenne pepper: optional for those who crave more heat
  • All purpose flour plus cornstarch: gives an ultra crispy coating
  • Paprika: adds warmth and color use quality Spanish or Hungarian paprika if possible
  • Onion powder: supports the savory notes without overpowering
  • Medium frying oil: choose fresh oil with a neutral flavor for best results
  • Honey: for sweetness and sticky finish raw or local honey gives a distinct floral note
  • Unsalted butter: for rich smooth mouthfeel in the sauce
  • Hot sauce and red pepper flakes: for adjustable heat and tang

Tip look for chicken with a pink hue and fresh smell at the store avoid any sliminess or off aroma target thicker buttermilk for the marinade if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Mix together buttermilk salt pepper garlic powder and cayenne in a bowl then add the chicken pieces and fully submerge let chill for at least an hour or even overnight for juiciness
Mix the Coating:
In a separate bowl whisk flour cornstarch paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper the cornstarch is what gives that signature crunch
Dredge the Chicken:
Pull the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk shake off excess liquid and press each into the flour mixture really make sure every nook and cranny is well coated
Fry the Chicken:
Heat plain vegetable or canola oil to 175 degrees Celsius use a deep pot for safety fry chicken in batches about 6 to 8 minutes turning for even browning let rest on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispness
Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce:
Melt butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat then stir in honey hot sauce and a dash of salt plus red pepper flakes if you love it hot warm for a couple of minutes until silky but do not boil or it can separate
Coat the Chicken:
Either drizzle that sauce all over the fried pieces or toss them in a bowl for a beautiful sticky glaze
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A bowl of chicken with peppers and herbs. | recipesfoodyummy.com

One of my favorite parts is swirling honey into the melted butter and watching it turn glossy and fragrant The smell alone reminds me of lazy summer cookouts with my cousins crowding around for first dibs

Storage Tips

Let the fried chicken come to room temperature before storing and use an airtight container in the refrigerator It keeps well up to two days If you have leftovers warm them in a hot oven to restore crispness avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy The honey sauce is best stored separately in a little jar and reheated gently as needed

Ingredient Substitutions

No buttermilk No problem just use regular milk plus a splash of lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes Want a lighter spin try chicken tenders or even tofu for a vegetarian version For the sauce maple syrup works in a pinch if honey runs out and smoked paprika adds a deeper touch if available

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a side of flaky biscuits or creamy mashed sweet potatoes Add extra hot honey or pickles on the side for a Southern flair This recipe is amazing on waffles for a brunch style treat and the sauce is delicious over roasted veggies too

Where This Comes From

Fried chicken has roots in Southern cuisine and honey butter brings back memories of classic soul food Sunday dinners Mixing spicy elements with honey is a newer twist but one that is totally catching on in festive kitchens

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep fried chicken crispy?

After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents sogginess. Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.

→ Can this be baked instead of fried?

Yes, coat the chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with the spicy honey butter for similar flavor.

→ What pairs well with spicy honey butter chicken?

Try serving with buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, mashed sweet potatoes, or even waffles for a fun Southern-inspired meal.

→ How spicy is the honey butter?

The sauce’s heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For milder flavor, reduce or omit these ingredients.

→ What oil is best for frying chicken?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, work best to achieve a crispy, golden crust.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

For optimal tenderness, marinate chicken for at least one hour, or overnight if time allows. The longer marination enhances flavor and juiciness.

Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Fried chicken tossed with spicy honey butter, offering crispy texture, balanced sweetness, and a touch of heat.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Duration
50 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Southern

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Fried chicken

01 680 grams boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
02 480 millilitres buttermilk or milk plus 15 millilitres lemon juice
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Coating

07 190 grams all-purpose flour
08 70 grams cornstarch
09 1 teaspoon paprika
10 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 1 teaspoon onion powder
12 0.5 teaspoon salt
13 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

→ Frying

14 Sufficient neutral oil for deep-frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

→ Spicy honey butter sauce

15 80 millilitres honey
16 28 grams unsalted butter
17 5–10 millilitres hot sauce (to taste)
18 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
19 Pinch salt

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken pieces and mix to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes or overnight to enhance tenderness.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure proper adhesion. Arrange coated chicken on a wire rack.

Step 03

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 175°C. Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 04

Melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if desired), and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and heated through, avoiding boiling.

Step 05

Transfer fried chicken to a large bowl. Drizzle with the warm spicy honey butter sauce or gently toss until each piece is evenly coated for a sticky, flavorful finish.

Notes and Tips

  1. For extra crunch, fry the chicken twice by returning it to the hot oil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Increase heat by adding chipotle powder or more hot sauce to the marinade.
  3. For a baked alternative, coat chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 220°C for 20 to 25 minutes, then finish with the sauce.
  4. Pairs well with buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, mashed sweet potatoes, or waffles.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack
  • Deep fryer or heavy saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Paper towels
  • Small saucepan

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 650
  • Fats: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 35 g