Juicy Honey Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy and Sweet Delight

Juicy Honey Fried Chicken Recipe

Honey fried chicken has its roots in Southern cuisine, where fried chicken is a staple dish. The sweet and savory combination of honey and crispy fried chicken creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade meal. If you’re looking for a twist on the classic fried chicken, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into the Juicy Honey Fried Chicken Recipe!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk

For the Honey Coating

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy twist)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, mix the eggs and milk. Add the chicken thighs and breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating:
    • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    • Remove the chicken from the milk mixture and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick, even layer. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the process: dip the chicken back into the milk mixture and coat it in the flour mixture again.

Frying the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces fully.
  2. Fry the Chicken:
    • Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness. Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes for thighs and 10-12 minutes for breasts, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  3. Drain the Chicken:
    • Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Honey Coating

  1. Make the Honey Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Coating the Chicken

  1. Coat the Chicken with Honey:
    • Once the chicken is slightly cooled, drizzle or brush the honey sauce over each piece, ensuring they are well coated. The honey will seep into the crispy coating, adding a delightful sweetness to every bite.

Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips

  • Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key to achieving perfectly fried chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying. This helps keep it crispy by allowing excess oil to drip off.

Variations

  • Honey Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk: If you prefer not to use buttermilk, the milk and egg mixture is a perfect substitute. It keeps the chicken moist and helps the coating adhere well.
  • Spicy Honey Fried Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount of hot sauce in the honey glaze for a spicier version.
  • Honey Fried Chicken Thighs: Thighs are naturally juicier and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for this recipe. Follow the same steps for preparation and cooking.

Substitutions

  • Chicken Parts: Feel free to use drumsticks or wings instead of thighs and breasts for a variety of textures and flavors.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 20g

This Juicy Honey Fried Chicken Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of crispy fried chicken with a sweet honey glaze.

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