Spicy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Spicy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is a mouth-watering twist on a classic favorite, perfect for those who crave a little heat with their sweet. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion, whether you're hosting a casual dinner or simply craving some comfort food.

Ingredients for Spicy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken

Chicken drumsticks provide juicy, flavorful meat that holds up well to frying. All-purpose flour and cornstarch create a crispy coating, with cornstarch adding extra crunch. Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper season the chicken, giving it depth and a hint of smokiness. The eggs and buttermilk mixture helps the coating adhere and adds moisture. Honey brings sweetness to the sauce, while garlic adds aromatic depth. Soy sauce provides a savory umami punch, and sriracha adds a kick of heat. Finally, oil is essential for frying to achieve that perfect crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to keep it crispy.
  • Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference for a milder or spicier kick.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spicy honey garlic fried chicken with a creamy coleslaw or a fresh salad for a delicious contrast. Pair with cornbread or fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce. A side of pickles adds a tangy crunch that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and offer a similar juicy texture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain crispiness.

Spicy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining the dry ingredients: in a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This blend will form the crispy coating for your chicken.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.

Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Take each drumstick and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Then, dunk it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before dipping it back into the flour mixture for a second coat. This double-dipping creates a crispy, flavorful crust. Set the coated drumsticks aside while you heat the oil.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle a breadcrumb dropped in it. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Fry each batch for about 12-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. Heat over medium until the mixture just reaches a boil, then remove it from the heat. This sauce will be sticky, spicy, and utterly irresistible.

Once all the chicken is fried, toss it in the honey garlic sauce until each piece is well coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
  • Crispy, golden-brown coating that stays crunchy.
  • Quick and easy to make in under an hour.
  • Uses simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.
  • Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sriracha sauce
Oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
3. Dip each drumstick in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. Heat over medium until just boiling, then remove from heat.
7. Toss fried chicken with the honey garlic sauce and serve immediately.

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