Golden, ultra-crispy chicken with a crave-worthy crunch and just the right balance of sweet heat — this Hot Honey Fried Chicken is comfort food turned unforgettable. Marinated for maximum flavor and finished with a generous drizzle of Honey House Hot Honey, every bite delivers juicy tenderness, smoky spice, and sticky-sweet heat you’ll keep thinking about long after the plate’s empty.

Whether you’re frying up a weekend feast or looking to seriously upgrade your fried chicken game, this recipe proves that real ingredients — especially real honey — make all the difference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deeply flavorful chicken thanks to a pickle-brine marinade that keeps it juicy

• Ultra-crispy coating with cornmeal and bold spices for maximum crunch

• Sweet-heat balance that hits all the right notes without overpowering

• Perfect for gatherings, game days, or indulgent weeknight dinners

• Uses Honey House Hot Honey for authentic, American-sourced flavor

• Comfort food that feels elevated but is still totally approachable

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup dill pickle brine

• 1 tsp hot sauce (we recommend a vinegar-based style)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chili powder

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips

For the Flour Mixture

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup cornmeal

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

For Frying

• ~3 cups vegetable, peanut, or olive oil

For the Hot Honey Finish

• ¼ cup Honey House Hot Honey — our bold, sweet-heat honey made with 100% pure American honey

Equipment

• Large zip-top bag or mixing bowl

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Wire rack

• Baking tray

• Paper towels

• Kitchen thermometer

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak for a full 24 hours for the juiciest results.

2. Even Coating Matters: Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken so every bite stays crispy.

3. Oil Temperature Is Key: Keep oil at 400°F (205°C) to prevent soggy chicken.

4. Don’t Crowd the Pot: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispness.

5. Drizzle While Hot: Add the hot honey while the chicken is fresh from the oil so it melts into every crevice.

Instructions

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients and add the chicken. Zip and massage until fully coated. Refrigerate for 24 hours.

2. After marinating, prepare the flour mixture by combining all dry ingredients in a shallow bowl.

3. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking tray.

4. Heat oil in a large pot to 400°F (205°C).

5. Fry chicken in batches for 8–12 minutes per piece, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

6. Place fried chicken back on the wire rack and generously drizzle with Honey House Hot Honey. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness

• Avoid microwaving to preserve texture

Recipe Notes

The combination of tangy pickle brine, buttermilk, and spices ensures this chicken stays incredibly tender while developing bold, layered flavor. Cornmeal in the coating adds extra crunch, while cayenne and smoked paprika bring subtle heat that pairs beautifully with honey.

This recipe truly shines with Honey House Hot Honey, made from 100% pure, raw American honey infused with chili heat. Its smooth sweetness balances the spice perfectly, creating that signature sweet-heat finish that makes this fried chicken unforgettable — and unmistakably Honey House.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with:

• Creamy coleslaw

• Buttermilk biscuits

• Pickles or pickled vegetables

• Mac and cheese

• Iced sweet tea or sparkling lemonade

Variation Ideas

While the classic hot honey finish is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternative options:

Honey House Recommendations

• Swap in Honey House Clover Honey for a milder, classic sweetness
  

• Mix Honey House Hot Honey with melted butter for a rich, spicy glaze

Other Great Options

• Add lemon zest to the flour mixture for brightness

• Serve on toasted brioche buns for hot honey chicken sandwiches

• Toss with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

• Add extra cayenne for more heat

• Finish with flaky sea salt for contrast

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 24 hours marinating)

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 24 hours 35 minutes

• Course: Main

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 4–6

• Difficulty Level: Medium