Irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Delight

There’s a tantalizing dish that dances on the palate, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and heat. Imagine crispy chicken pieces glistening under a drizzle of hot honey, vibrant chili flakes sparking joy in each bite. This is not just food; this is hot honey chicken, an experience that will make your taste buds sing and your heart flutter.

As I recall my first attempt at making hot honey chicken, I can almost hear my friends’ laughter when they devoured it and begged for seconds. It was a casual Friday night, and we were all about the cozy vibes and comfort food. Little did I know that this dish would become our go-to favorite for gatherings, complete with cheers and happy bellies.

I remember the first time I served this to my family; their eyes lit up as soon as they took their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts depending on how many guests are coming for dinner.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic lovers rejoice.

• Hot Honey: A magical blend of sweetness and spice; find one that suits your heat preference.

• Chili Flakes: These add that necessary kick! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium works best so you can control saltiness while keeping flavors rich.

• Olive Oil: For frying; choose extra virgin for its robust taste.

• Cornstarch: This helps create a crispy coating on the chicken; don’t skip it!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential staples to enhance all flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preparation: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. It makes everything easier and ensures you won’t forget anything in the chaos of cooking.

Prepare the Chicken: Rinse your chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for maximum enjoyment.

Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss each piece of chicken in this mixture until well coated—this will give you that lovely crunch.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken!

Fry Until Golden: Add coated chicken pieces to the skillet in batches without overcrowding them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Make the Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together hot honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Pour this glorious mix over your cooked chicken just before serving—let those flavors mingle!

Enjoy: Serve your hot honey chicken immediately while it’s still warm and crispy! Pair it with some rice or fresh veggies for an unforgettable meal.

With these steps laid out like breadcrumbs leading to culinary success, you’re ready to impress family or friends with a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and gourmet delight. Prepare yourself for oohs and ahhs as you unveil your creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sear it in a hot pan before finishing in the oven for juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its crispy exterior.

Cooking hot honey chicken reminds me of that time my friends declared my kitchen a “flavor zone” after devouring this dish!

FAQ

What is hot honey chicken?

Hot honey chicken is crispy chicken coated with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs are juicy and work beautifully with this recipe.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease chili flakes based on your preferred heat level.

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Hot Honey Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze, offering a satisfying crunch and a hint of heat in every bite. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, Hot Honey Chicken promises to elevate any meal into a memorable experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup hot honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on the counter for easy access.
2. Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry; cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper; toss chicken pieces until well coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Cook chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together hot honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes; pour over cooked chicken.
7. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approx. 100g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Substitute hot honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile or add sesame seeds for extra crunch.