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Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, Southern cuisine always hits the mark. One dish that stands
out for its flavor and texture is Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken. This dish
combines the classic crunch of Southern fried chicken with a tantalizing hot honey glaze,
creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a
beginner, this recipe will guide you through making a dish that’s sure to impress.
What Makes Southern Fried Chicken Unique?
Southern fried chicken is famous for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The key lies in the
traditional Southern frying technique, which involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk.
This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the flour coating adhere better, resulting in
that signature crunch. The use of seasoned flour is another hallmark of Southern fried
chicken, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavors.
Why Add Hot Honey?
Hot honey is the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level. The combination of
honey and chili creates a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, adding a dynamic layer of flavor
to the already delicious fried chicken. When drizzled over the crispy chicken, the hot honey
seeps into the crust, creating a mouthwatering contrast that keeps you coming back for
more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
● 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
● 2 cups of buttermilk
● 2 cups of all-purpose flour
● 1 tablespoon of paprika
● 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
● 1 tablespoon of onion powder
● 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
● Salt and pepper to taste
● Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
● 1/2 cup of honey
● 2-3 tablespoons of hot sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
● 1 tablespoon of butter
● 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
Preparation: Getting Your Chicken Ready
Marinating the Chicken in Buttermilk
Start by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk. This step is crucial as the buttermilk
tenderizes the chicken, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and flavorful after frying. Place
the chicken in a bowl, pour the buttermilk over it, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours,
or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Seasoning Mix
While the chicken marinates, prepare your seasoning mix. In a large bowl, combine the flour,
paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour
will give your chicken its crispy and flavorful coating.
Cooking: The Frying Process
How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating
Once your chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and dredge it in the
seasoned flour. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. For an extra crispy coating, you
can double-dip by briefly returning the chicken to the buttermilk and then back into the flour
mixture.
The Importance of Oil Temperature
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right
oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust. If the oil is too hot, the
coating will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cold, and the chicken will absorb too
much oil, becoming greasy.
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each
piece for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is deep golden brown
and the chicken is cooked through.
Making the Hot Honey Sauce
Choosing the Right Honey
While your chicken is frying, start on the hot honey sauce. Choose a good-quality honey as
the base; its sweetness will be the foundation of your sauce.
Adding the Perfect Amount of Heat
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, hot sauce, and red
pepper flakes, stirring until the ingredients are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the
heat level by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes as desired. Once your sauce is
ready, set it aside to cool slightly.
Tips for the Best Results
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. These cuts stay juicy
during frying and have a lot of flavor. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too, but
they can dry out more easily, so watch them closely during cooking.
How to Avoid Soggy Fried Chicken
To keep your chicken crispy, avoid covering it or stacking it too soon after frying. Place the
fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. This allows air to circulate,
preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
Pairing the Dish with Sides and Beverages
Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like
coleslaw, biscuits, and mac ‘n’ cheese. As for beverages, sweet tea or a cold beer
complements the dish perfectly
Why This Recipe is Trending
Spicy foods are having a moment, and this recipe is no exception. The combination of
traditional Southern fried chicken with a modern twist of hot honey appeals to a wide
audience. It’s a dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the current trend for bold,
spicy flavors.
Health Considerations
How to Make the Recipe Lighter
If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Coat
the chicken in the seasoned flour as usual, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C)
for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy
Alternative Ingredients for a Healthier Version
For a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and
substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk in the marinade. These small changes can make a big
difference in the nutritional profile of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken is a dish that’s hard to resist. With its perfect
balance of crispy, tender chicken and sweet-spicy hot honey, it’s no wonder this recipe is
trending. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a
hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own.
FAQs
- What is the best type of oil to use for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices for frying chicken due to their
high smoke points. - How can I make the chicken spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount
of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce. - Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version. Coat it as usual and bake at 400°F
(200°C) for 25-30 minutes until crispy. - How long can I store leftover chicken?
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to
maintain crispiness. - What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Nutrition Facts
(Per 1 piece)
60 1.21g
Calories Fat
3.05g 9.01g
Carbs Protein
