Hot Honey Butter Chicken – Quick, Crispy, and Addictively Delicious

Hot Honey Butter Chicken is the meal you didn’t know you needed but will crave again tomorrow. Picture this: crispy, golden bites of tender chicken coated in a glossy glaze that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and buttery. It’s like your favorite comfort food just got a fiery glow-up. Perfect for those nights when you’re juggling work, kids, and dinner but still want something that tastes restaurant-worthy. The best part? You can have this beauty on your table in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice or sneaking bites straight from the pan (no judgment here), Hot Honey Butter Chicken hits every flavor note—spicy, sweet, savory, and buttery in perfect harmony. If you’ve ever had a long day and just wanted dinner to hug you back, this dish does exactly that.

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What is Hot Honey Butter Chicken?

Hot Honey Butter Chicken is a crave-worthy twist on classic fried chicken. It takes tender pieces of chicken—usually thighs for their juiciness—and marinates them in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little heat. After a light coat of potato starch and a quick fry, each piece is tossed in a sticky, buttery, hot honey glaze.

The result? Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with that addictive sweet heat that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.” This recipe takes cues from both Asian and Southern comfort cooking, combining the bold flavors of chili and soy with the indulgence of fried, butter-glazed goodness. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like a warm, spicy hug on a plate.

Reasons to Try Hot Honey Butter Chicken

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a dinner rut, Hot Honey Butter Chicken might just save your weeknight. First, it’s fast—done in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s wildly flavorful without requiring fancy ingredients or techniques.

You get restaurant-style crispiness using simple pantry staples. Third, it’s versatile: serve it over rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or pile it on a salad (though let’s be real, the rice version wins every time). And lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist that combination of sweet, buttery heat. For another flavor-packed chicken recipe, check out our Dragon Chicken—another bold, saucy favorite that hits those spicy-sweet notes in all the right ways.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hot Honey Butter Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ginger, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• Potato starch (for coating)
• Neutral oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 5 tbsp hot sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions to Make Hot Honey Butter Chicken

If you’re ready to whip up this crispy, saucy goodness, here’s a step-by-step guide to making Hot Honey Butter Chicken that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant. Don’t worry—this isn’t one of those “all-day” recipes. It’s quick, approachable, and loaded with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Let’s kick things off by giving your chicken a flavor bath. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, white pepper, salt, egg white, and a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce.

This blend adds a punch of umami, heat, and depth that will soak beautifully into every bite of chicken. Add the chicken thigh pieces and stir until each one is coated in that fragrant mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. If you’ve got extra time, letting it marinate overnight deepens the flavor even more.

Step by Step Tip: Want to learn more about balancing savory and sweet marinades? Check out our Caribbean Chicken and Rice—it uses similar flavor layering for a delicious, tropical twist.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Butter Sauce

While your chicken chills, let’s create that irresistible glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce and honey. Stir gently as the mixture starts to bubble—this helps the flavors blend without scorching the honey. When it begins to simmer, remove it from the heat and drop in the butter. Stir slowly until it melts completely and the sauce turns silky and glossy. This buttery sweetness will cling perfectly to the crispy coating later.

Step by Step Tip: If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild hot sauce or balance it with extra honey. For more ideas on customizing heat levels, take a peek at our Hot Honey Feta Chicken, where we play with a similar sauce at a milder intensity.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Potato Starch

Once the marinating time is up, remove the chicken from the fridge and get ready to fry. Fill a shallow bowl with potato starch (or cornstarch if that’s what you have). Working step by step, dredge each piece of chicken in starch until fully coated. Shake off the excess. This creates the light, crispy shell that gives Hot Honey Butter Chicken its famous crunch. If you’re looking for gluten-free swaps, this is a perfect option—potato starch fries up beautifully without any wheat flour needed.
Step by Step Tip: Want to see how starch coating affects crispiness? Our Crockpot Chicken Fajitas explains how different coatings hold up in various cooking methods.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Now comes the fun part—frying! Heat a few inches of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you drop a small piece of starch into the oil and it bubbles immediately. Carefully place your coated chicken pieces into the oil in small batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop.

Fry each batch for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and the outside feels crisp when tapped. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step by Step Tip: Keep your oil at a steady temperature for consistent results. For another crispy chicken method, try our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—it uses a skillet-sear for that same restaurant-worthy texture.

Step 5: Toss in Hot Honey Butter Sauce

Once your chicken is fried and ready, it’s time for the grand finale. Pour your warm hot honey butter sauce over the crispy pieces in a large bowl and toss gently with tongs until every piece glistens with that sticky-sweet glaze. Don’t skip this step by step toss—it’s the key to even coating without losing that crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Hot Honey Butter Chicken hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, and finish it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives. The fragrant herbs add freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Pair it with something cool like a cucumber salad or our comforting Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup to balance the heat.
Step by Step Tip: If you love creamy pairings with spicy dishes, our Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter offers another mouthwatering contrast that works beautifully on the same table.

Step 7: Enjoy the Sweet Heat

Now comes the easiest and most rewarding part—dig in! The crispy chicken, the sweet-spicy glaze, the buttery finish… it’s comfort food that doesn’t just feed your belly but your soul, too. Keep a napkin close; it’s finger-licking territory.

Final Step by Step Thought: This Hot Honey Butter Chicken recipe proves that a little sweetness, a touch of heat, and a lot of butter can turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. And if you find yourself hooked (spoiler: you will), check out our Dragon Chicken next—it’s another spicy-sweet masterpiece that’ll keep your taste buds dancing.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Butter Chicken

Hot Honey Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its bold flavor shine. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice is classic—it balances the heat with a little sweetness. For a cozier, creamy contrast, try it with our Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup or even our Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. If you’re keeping things lighter, toss up a crisp cucumber salad or serve roasted veggies on the side. And if you’re feeding a crowd? Add a pot of fluffy rice, some sautéed greens, and let everyone build their own bowl—it’s interactive, fun, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Key Tips for Making Hot Honey Butter Chicken

1. Use chicken thighs. They stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
2. Don’t skip the starch. Potato starch gives that signature crispiness.
3. Adjust your heat. For a milder version, use less hot sauce or mix in more honey.
4. Work in batches. Crowding the pan cools the oil and makes soggy chicken.
5. Serve immediately. This chicken is best eaten fresh when the coating is still perfectly crunchy.
   And if you love this step-by-step fried perfection, you’ll also adore our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—a buttery comfort dish that shares that same indulgent vibe.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Hot Honey Butter Chicken

If you somehow have leftovers (a rare event), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, skip the microwave—it’ll make the coating soggy. Instead, warm the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 8 minutes until hot and crispy again. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small drizzle of oil to bring back that fried texture. Avoid reheating with the sauce already mixed in if you want extra crunch—keep them separate and toss right before serving.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! It won’t be quite as crispy, but bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Use a mild hot sauce or reduce the amount—balance it out with extra honey for that sweet-savory magic.

What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.

Can I make this ahead?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Fry it fresh for the best crunch.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Butter Chicken is the kind of dinner that feels special without taking all night. It’s fast, fiery, and oh-so-satisfying—the perfect pick-me-up after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just spoiling yourself, this dish delivers a perfect balance of comfort and kick. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.

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