Spicy Honey-Lime Fried Chicken

Name: Spicy Honey-Lime Fried Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs chicken drumsticks; 2 cups buttermilk; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tbsp lime zest; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup honey; Vegetable oil for frying

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Spicy Honey-Lime Fried Chicken combines juicy drumsticks with a zesty kick and a sweet finish. It's perfect for those who love a blend of heat and sweetness in their comfort food.

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Ingredients for Spicy Honey-Lime Fried Chicken

The marinade is key to this recipe's flavor. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Lime juice and lime zest add a fresh, citrusy zing, while hot sauce brings the heat. The coating, a blend of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, creates a crispy crust that locks in the flavors. Finally, a drizzle of honey finishes the dish with a touch of sweetness that complements the spice.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crispy skin, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after an initial coating.
If you're short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes — but longer is always better.
Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy chicken.
Use a wire rack for draining if you want to keep the chicken even crispier.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted potatoes or mac and cheese. A cold, crisp beer or a refreshing limeade makes for a perfect beverage companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead?: Yes, you can substitute with thighs or boneless breasts, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they're cooked through.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?: You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
What if I don't like spicy food?: Reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne, or omit them entirely for a milder version.

Spicy Honey-Lime Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your marinade in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, then stir in the lime juice and lime zest. Add a tablespoon of hot sauce for that initial kick. Once mixed, submerge the chicken drumsticks into this citrusy bath. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours — this is where the magic starts.

While the chicken is soaking up all that flavor, mix your dry ingredients in another bowl. Combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a teaspoon of cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that crave-worthy crunch.

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet until it reaches 350°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy golden brown exterior without drying out the chicken.

Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra liquid drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat that will fry up beautifully.

Carefully place the coated drumsticks into the hot oil. Fry them for 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally until they're golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Finish by drizzling the drumsticks with honey right before serving. This step adds a lovely sweetness that enhances all the other flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
Crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior.
Simple marinade that infuses the chicken with vibrant tastes.
Great for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

4 lbs chicken drumsticks

2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tbsp lime zest

1 tbsp hot sauce

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp paprika

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup honey

Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, lime juice, lime zest, and hot sauce. Add chicken drumsticks and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

2. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F.

4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.

5. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.