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Crispy Hot Honey Glazed Fried Chicken Thighs

Close-up of crispy, glazed hot honey fried chicken thighs resting on a white plate.
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Make juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe gives you options for deep frying or using an air fryer for a comforting, homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (if deep frying)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your dry dredge.
  3. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce. This is your wet mixture.
  4. Dredge each chicken thigh first in the dry mixture, pressing firmly so the flour adheres well. Dip the floured thigh into the wet mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, return the thigh to the dry mixture, coating thoroughly again. Place coated thighs on a wire rack.
  5. For Deep Frying: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 325°F (160°C). Carefully place 2-3 thighs into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on a clean wire rack.
  6. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated thighs with cooking spray. Cook in batches for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, butter, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture simmers gently. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
  8. Place the hot, cooked chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
  9. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For extra juicy fried chicken thighs, let the coated chicken rest on the rack for 15 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to hydrate slightly.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the honey mixture for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.
  • You can substitute the hot sauce in the wet dredge with 1/2 cup of water mixed with 1/2 cup of your favorite mild hot sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/hot-honey-fried-chicken-thighs-recipe/