Why You’ll Love Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional fried chicken. The crispy coating holds up perfectly under the sweet heat glaze, which is made with honey, hot sauce, and a touch of garlic. It delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch that chicken lovers won’t be able to resist. Whether served with classic sides or tucked into a sandwich, this dish is sure to be a favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
buttermilk
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
salt
black pepper
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)
honey
hot sauce
butter
minced garlic
Directions
-
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.
-
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), about 12–15 minutes per piece depending on size. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
-
Make the Sweet Heat Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in honey and hot sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until well blended.
-
Glaze the Chicken: Brush the glaze generously over hot fried chicken or toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with the glaze until well coated.
-
Serve Hot: Let the glazed chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 4.5 to 5 hours (including marination)
Variations
-
Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier hot sauce in the glaze.
-
Mild Version: Use a mild hot sauce and reduce cayenne in the coating and marinade.
-
Oven-Fried Option: Bake the dredged chicken on a wire rack in a 400°F oven for 40–45 minutes, then glaze.
-
Boneless: Use boneless thighs or breast strips for easier eating.
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blends and ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. For best results, reheat unglazed and brush on fresh glaze after warming.
FAQs
How spicy is Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken?
The heat level is moderate, but it can be adjusted by changing the type or amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and even fry it a few hours ahead. Reheat and glaze just before serving for best taste.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, boneless chicken breast works well. Cut into strips for tenders or nuggets and adjust frying time.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with this chicken?
It pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or pickles.
Can I make the glaze less sweet?
Yes, reduce the honey or balance it with a splash of vinegar or extra hot sauce.
How do I keep the coating crispy after glazing?
Apply the glaze right before serving and avoid stacking the chicken to preserve the crispness.
Can I air fry this chicken?
You can air fry it, but the texture will be slightly different. Lightly spray the dredged chicken and air fry at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is it okay to skip the marinating step?
Marinating adds flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even 30–60 minutes in buttermilk helps.
Conclusion
Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken is a bold, flavorful upgrade to a classic favorite. The perfect balance of crispy texture, sweet-spicy glaze, and juicy chicken makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a comfort food fix, this dish delivers every time.
Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken is a crispy and juicy fried chicken dish coated with a spicy-sweet glaze made from honey, hot sauce, and garlic. It combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or game day spreads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Total Time: 4.5 to 5 hours
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add honey and hot sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes while stirring until smooth.
- Brush glaze over hot chicken or toss chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Let the glazed chicken rest a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or use a hotter sauce.
- To make it milder, reduce cayenne and use a mild hot sauce.
- Oven-fry option: Bake dredged chicken at 400°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Use boneless thighs or breast strips for quicker, easier eating.
- To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and check hot sauce label.
- Reheat unglazed chicken in the oven and brush glaze on after warming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
