Honey Glazed Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk—that sounds absolutely mouthwatering! The balance of sweet honey glaze with spicy heat and crispy fried chicken is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Pairing it with a buttermilk base will give the chicken that tender, juicy texture we all love.
Here’s a recipe for you that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of spices, along with the buttermilk marinade for the chicken:
🍯 Honey Glazed Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (per batch)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Flour Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (or more for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing down to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side (depending on the size of the chicken), until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Allow the glaze to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more sriracha for spice or honey for sweetness, if desired.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fried, drizzle or brush the honey glaze generously over the crispy fried chicken pieces. Toss the chicken gently to coat evenly.
6. Serve:
- Serve the glazed fried chicken hot, garnished with some fresh cilantro or green onions if you like. It pairs well with a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple buttery biscuit.
Tips:
- Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for a thicker coating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne and sriracha based on your personal heat tolerance. If you prefer more of a sweet glaze, reduce the amount of sriracha or skip it entirely.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of mac and cheese for a comforting, hearty meal.
This Honey Glazed Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken brings together the perfect balance of crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy all in one bite. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, while the honey glaze adds a glossy, irresistible finish!
Do you think you’ll try this recipe, or are you looking for any variations or suggestions?
