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To make Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - Chicken and Marinade Ingredients - 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust according to spice preference) - Flour and Seasoning Ingredients - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and black pepper to taste - Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) - Honey Butter Ingredients - ½ cup unsalted butter - ¼ cup honey - 1 tablespoon chili powder These ingredients come together to create a meal full of flavor. The chicken gets nice and crispy, while the honey butter adds a sweet and spicy touch. For the complete preparation steps, check the Full Recipe. Start by mixing buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Whisk them together until smooth. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Marinate for at least one hour, but overnight is best. This step makes the chicken juicy and tender. In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the spices evenly. This seasoned flour will give your chicken a tasty crunch. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor. Next, heat about one inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. It should reach 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, take the marinated chicken out. Let any extra liquid drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press gently to coat well. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry each piece for 8-10 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed to avoid crowding. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the honey and chili powder. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This spicy honey butter adds a sweet and tangy kick to your chicken. After frying, let the chicken sit on a wire rack or paper towels for a couple of minutes. This helps drain any excess oil. While the chicken is warm, brush the spicy honey butter generously over each piece. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Marinating chicken adds flavor and moisture. Use buttermilk and hot sauce for the best results. The acid in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. For extra flavor, try marinating overnight. Always cover the bowl to keep the marinade fresh. Frying chicken requires the right oil temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding chicken. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb oil. If it's too hot, the coating will burn. Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a crispy crust. Aim for golden brown on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (74°C). Melt unsalted butter over low heat for a smooth mix. Stir in honey and chili powder. This blend should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of warm water. Brush the honey butter on the chicken while it’s still warm. This allows the butter to soak in better. Enjoy your delicious, spicy honey butter fried chicken! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can use many cuts of chicken for this recipe. Chicken thighs are juicy and tender. They hold flavor well and stay moist when cooked. If you prefer, use drumsticks or even chicken breasts. Breasts can dry out, so watch the cooking time closely. Each cut brings a unique texture and flavor. Make this dish as spicy as you want. If you love heat, add more cayenne to the flour mix. You can also increase the hot sauce in the buttermilk. For less spice, reduce both. You could even use a mild hot sauce for a gentle kick. Taste your honey butter sauce and adjust too. A pinch of chili powder adds flavor without too much heat. While spicy honey butter is a star, you can try other flavors. Mix in garlic for a savory twist. Lemon zest can add a bright kick. For sweetness, swap honey for maple syrup. This gives a fun twist to the dish. Play around with spices like smoked paprika or herbs. This makes your chicken unique every time. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to customize your dish! After enjoying your Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken, let it cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your chicken, use your oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until it's warm. You can also use an air fryer for a crispy finish. Set it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Freezing is easy and smart! Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, your chicken can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For more details, check the Full Recipe. You can serve this dish with many sides. Some great options include: - Macaroni and cheese - Coleslaw - Cornbread - Baked beans - Green salad These sides balance the flavors well. They add creaminess, crunch, or freshness. You can mix and match based on what you like. Yes, you can use other oils for frying. Good options are: - Peanut oil - Sunflower oil - Olive oil These oils have high smoke points. They can help achieve a crispy chicken skin. However, avoid oils with low smoke points like butter or extra virgin olive oil. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. You can find blends easily in stores. Or, you can use almond flour or rice flour too. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste. You can keep leftovers for up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to three months. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before eating. This blog covered how to make delicious spicy honey butter fried chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. I shared different variations, how to store leftovers, and addressed common questions. In summary, with the right steps and a few tips, your chicken will shine. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite of your creation!

Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Indulge in mouthwatering Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken that packs a flavorful punch! This easy recipe combines juicy marinated chicken thighs with a crispy seasoned coating, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a delicious spicy honey butter sauce. Perfect for any meal, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and savor the delightful flavors today!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust according to spice preference)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper to taste

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

½ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

    Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be your seasoned dredge for the chicken.

      Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

        Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

            Make the Honey Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and chili powder until fully combined and smooth. Remove from heat.

              Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is done frying, place it on a wire rack (or paper towels to drain excess oil) for a couple of minutes. While still warm, brush the spicy honey butter generously over each piece of chicken.

                Serve: Serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides.

                  Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating time) | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4