A delectable fusion of crispy fried chicken coated in a rich, sticky, spicy-sweet honey glaze, this Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken recipe is the perfect choice when you want bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether served as an appetizer, party finger food, or main dish, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers the ideal balance of sweet and spicy. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the glaze adds a rich depth of flavor with a kick. It is simple to prepare and far superior to takeout in taste and texture.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces
- Cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika or chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha or preferred hot sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic (minced)
- Optional: Creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or garlic yogurt
Tips by Elsa:
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Let the battered chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying to enhance crispiness.
- For a balanced glaze, use high-quality honey and low-sodium soy sauce.
directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Beat eggs in a bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces in egg, then coat with cornstarch or flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
- Toss the fried chicken in the hot glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite creamy dip or as a main dish with rice or salad.
Tips by Elsa:
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil stays at the right temperature to avoid greasy chicken.
- Stir the glaze constantly to prevent burning.
- Toss the chicken with the glaze just before serving to retain the crisp texture.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Mild Version: Reduce or omit sriracha for a kid-friendly version.
- Baked Version: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry breaded chicken at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
- Asian Fusion: Add grated ginger and sesame oil to the glaze.
- Vegan Twist: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
Tips by Elsa:
- Always marinate tofu or cauliflower in spices before coating for better flavor.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or scallions for extra flair.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
Tips by Elsa:
- Reheat on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the chicken from steaming.
- Store the glaze separately if making ahead.
FAQs
How spicy is the glaze?
The glaze is moderately spicy, but the heat level can be easily adjusted by reducing the amount of hot sauce.
Can I use chicken wings instead of breast or thigh pieces?
Yes, chicken wings work excellently with this glaze and make great game-day snacks.
What is the best oil for frying the chicken?
Neutral oils with high smoke points such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm it slightly before tossing with the chicken.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Steamed jasmine rice, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad pairs well with this dish.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before coating to ensure crispiness.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy inside?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, just make sure to fry in batches and keep finished chicken warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Will this recipe work for meal prep?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving.
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines a satisfying crunch with an irresistible sweet-spicy glaze. With just a few pantry staples and simple cooking steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings. Try it once, and it is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Print
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A crispy and juicy chicken dish coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet honey glaze, perfect as a main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or preferred hot sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: Creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or garlic yogurt
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Beat eggs in a bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces in the egg, then coat with cornstarch or flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken in the hot glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite creamy dip or as a main dish with rice or salad.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Let the battered chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying for extra crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Stir glaze constantly to prevent burning.
- Toss chicken with glaze just before serving to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg