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To create this tasty dish, gather these main 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 These ingredients work together to create a flavor burst that excites your taste buds. You can elevate your meal with these optional ingredients: - Fresh parsley for garnish - Pickles for a tangy crunch - Coleslaw for a cool side - Mashed potatoes for comfort These extras add fun and flavor to your plate. - Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. - Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar. - Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand to control the heat level. - Flour: Gluten-free flour can work if needed. - Cayenne Pepper: You can leave this out if you want less heat. These swaps keep the dish delicious while fitting your needs. Start by mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Whisk them together until they blend well. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully covered. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until the spices are evenly spread. This flour mix will add an extra layer of taste to your chicken. Heat enough oil in a skillet to reach about 1 inch deep. Use medium-high heat to warm the oil, aiming for 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying. If the oil is too cold, the chicken won't crisp up. While the chicken fries, melt the butter in a small saucepan on low heat. Once melted, stir in the honey and chili powder. Mix until smooth. This sauce will add a sweet and spicy kick to your chicken. After frying, take the chicken out and place it on a wire rack or paper towels. Let it drain for a few minutes. While it's warm, use a brush to coat each piece with the honey butter sauce. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor. Arrange your spicy honey butter fried chicken on a platter. Serve it hot for the best experience. Pair it with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this flavor explosion! For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions provided above. To get that amazing crispy coating, start with a good marinade. Use buttermilk and hot sauce for the chicken. Let it marinate for at least one hour. Overnight is even better. When you prepare the flour mixture, add spices like paprika and cayenne. These add flavor and crunch. Dredge the chicken well. Make sure every part is coated. When frying, keep the oil at 350°F. This will help the coating stay crisp. You can customize the spice level in your chicken. Start with one tablespoon of hot sauce in the marinade. If you like more heat, add more hot sauce. You can also adjust the cayenne in the flour mixture. Just remember, a little can go a long way. Taste your honey butter sauce too; adding more chili powder can kick up the spice. Always use a thermometer to check your oil. If it’s too hot, the chicken may burn. If it’s too cold, the chicken will be greasy. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot. After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack. This keeps it crispy by allowing air to circulate. For the best flavor, brush the spicy honey butter sauce on while the chicken is hot. This will soak in and make every bite delicious. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up your protein, try using chicken breasts or drumsticks. You can even use turkey thighs for a delicious twist. For a meat-free option, tofu or cauliflower can work well. Just marinate and coat them like the chicken. Each choice brings a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Want to explore new tastes? Change up the spices in the flour mixture. Consider adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You can also try different hot sauces to control the heat. For a sweet twist, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the honey butter sauce. This mix of spices can lead to a whole new flavor experience. Serving style can change the vibe of your meal. You can serve the chicken as a sandwich with slaw and pickles. Another fun option is to create a platter with various dipping sauces. Think ranch, barbecue, or a spicy aioli. This allows everyone to customize their meal and enjoy different tastes together. For the full recipe, follow the steps above to create your own spicy honey butter fried chicken masterpiece! After enjoying your spicy honey butter fried chicken, store any leftovers properly. Let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I recommend using the chicken within 3 to 4 days. For best taste and texture, avoid leaving it out for too long. To reheat the chicken, use your oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not be as crispy. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken tasty and juicy. For the full recipe, don’t forget to check the earlier sections! You can make this dish lighter by using baked or air-fried chicken. Replace the frying oil with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil for browning. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also cut back on butter and honey in the sauce for less fat and sugar. Yes, you can use skinless chicken. However, skin adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you choose skinless, make sure to marinate well. Consider using thighs or drumsticks for more moisture. This chicken pairs beautifully with several sides. Some great options include: - Coleslaw - Mashed potatoes - Cornbread - Green beans - Macaroni and cheese These sides balance the spiciness of the chicken and create a complete meal. The marinating process should take at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinate overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb flavors and become tender. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream, thinned with a bit of water. This blog post covered how to make Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken. We looked at the main and optional ingredients, plus tips for the perfect fry. I shared step-by-step instructions, from marinating to serving. You also learned about variations and best storage methods. In the end, enjoy this dish your way. Take risks with flavors, and share with friends! Making fried chicken can be fun and rewarding. Don't hesitate to tweak this recipe; make it yours. Happy cooking!

Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Indulge in the mouthwatering taste of Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken that will elevate your dinner game! This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then expertly fried to golden perfection. Drizzle with a homemade spicy honey butter sauce for an irresistible finish. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a meal that's packed with flavor!
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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 large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until well incorporated. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is completely submerged and coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is preferable for maximum flavor and tenderness.

    Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed. This seasoned dredge will provide an extra flavor punch to your fried chicken.

      Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, pour enough oil to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 350°F (175°C).

        Dredge the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a comprehensive and even coating on all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour before frying.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which can reduce the oil temperature. Fry the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is a delicious golden brown and the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If necessary, fry in batches to maintain optimal cooking conditions.

            Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the chicken is frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and chili powder, mixing until fully combined and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside for later use.

              Coat the Chicken: Once frying is complete, transfer the chicken thighs to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil for a couple of minutes. While the chicken is still warm, use a brush to generously coat each piece with the spicy honey butter sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

                Serve: Arrange the spicy honey butter fried chicken on a serving platter and enjoy hot, paired perfectly with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a delightful meal.

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

                    - Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or serve with a side of pickles for a touch of brightness and crunch.