Skillet Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini – A Viral Recipe Twist

Name: Skillet Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini – A Viral Recipe Twist
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 4 large eggs; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 1/2 cups honey; 5 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; Vegetable oil or shortening for frying; Kosher salt for sprinkling; Optional garnishes: Avocado, sliced green onions, sesame seeds

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

May 14, 2025

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Mastering Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

Hot honey garlic chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors combined with crispy fried chicken tenders. The dish pairs the natural sweetness of honey with the vibrant kick of cayenne pepper and the rich depth of garlic, resulting in an irresistible sauce that clings beautifully to each crispy bite. This recipe is approachable and ideal for home cooks looking to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps.

The key to mastering hot honey garlic chicken lies in the marinade’s ability to tenderize the chicken, the layered dredging process that ensures a crisp crust, and crafting a homemade hot honey sauce that melds heat and sweetness harmoniously. It works well as a main dish, appetizer, or crowd-pleasing party food and can easily be paired with fresh sides like zucchini or a cool ranch dip.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers bold, dynamic flavors with an easy-to-follow method that produces consistent results every time.

Jump To

1. Mastering Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
2. Benefits and Advantages of Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
3. Essential Ingredients for Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
5. How to Prepare the Perfect Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
6. Mastering Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Best Practices
8. Nutritional Value of Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
9. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
10. Skillet Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini – A Viral Recipe Twist

Benefits and Advantages of Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

Flavorful and Balanced

This recipe stands out because of its unique combination of spicy heat, sticky sweetness, and classic garlic aroma. The hot honey sauce is rich but not overpowering, making it appealing even to those new to spicy foods. It offers a satisfying contrast between the crispy chicken exterior and tender interior coated in a luscious glaze.

Easy to Prepare

Despite its impressive flavor profile, hot honey garlic chicken is straightforward to prepare using pantry staples and simple techniques. The marinade enhances tenderness, while the two-step dredging process creates a crispy, golden crust. The crowd-pleasing hot honey sauce is quick to prepare on the stovetop.

Customizable Heat Levels

Adjusting the cayenne pepper or hot sauce allows you to tailor the spiciness to your family’s taste, accommodating milder or hotter preferences. This flexibility broadens its appeal for diverse palates.

Great Protein Source

The recipe uses lean boneless, skinless chicken tenders, which provide high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Pairing with fresh zucchini adds fiber and nutrients, creating a more complete meal.

Essential Ingredients for Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity	Role/Benefit
Boneless, skinless chicken tenders	2 pounds	Lean protein, easy to cook evenly
Buttermilk	1 cup	Tenderizes chicken and enhances flavor
Kosher salt	2 1/4 teaspoons (plus more for sprinkling)	Balances flavors and seasons chicken
Black pepper	1 1/2 teaspoons	Adds mild heat and depth
All-purpose flour	1 cup	Primary dredge ingredient for crispiness
Cornstarch	1 cup	Enhances crust crispness and lightness
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika	2 teaspoons each	Creates complex, savory spice flavor
Baking powder	1 1/2 teaspoons	Helps make batter airy and crunchy
Eggs	4 large	Binds dredge layers for coating
Hot sauce	2 tablespoons (plus 5 tablespoons for sauce)	Injects heat and umami richness
Honey	2 1/2 cups	Creamy sweetness balances heat
Cayenne pepper	2 1/2 tablespoons	Adds spicy kick to hot honey sauce
Vegetable oil or shortening (for frying)	About ½ inch depth in skillet	Facilitates even frying and crispiness
Optional garnishes: avocado, sliced green onions, sesame seeds	As desired	Adds fresh flavor and visual appeal

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

Gluten-Free Options

Substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch dredge with gluten-free flour blends or rice flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Marinade Alternatives

Instead of buttermilk, use plain yogurt or dairy-free milk combined with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for tenderizing chicken if lactose intolerance or dairy allergies are a concern.

Heat Level Modifications

Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or choose milder hot sauces to suit your heat tolerance. Eliminating cayenne entirely creates a sweet, garlicky chicken with no heat but all the other flavor profiles intact.

Oil Choices for Frying

Vegetable oil can be replaced with avocado oil, peanut oil, or refined coconut oil, each contributing mild different flavor tones and health benefits.

Vegan Adaptation

While this recipe is traditionally chicken-based, a vegan version can be made by using firm tofu or seitan coated and fried similarly. Vegan alternatives for buttermilk and honey (such as maple syrup or agave) should also be used.

These substitutions allow the hot honey garlic chicken to cater to a range of dietary needs while retaining robust flavor and texture.

For another savory protein dish, try our popular Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe for a quick, flavorful alternative.

How to Prepare the Perfect Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these clear steps to create crispy, flavorful hot honey garlic chicken with a vibrant sweet-heat sauce that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

First Step: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper. Add 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Second Step: Prepare the Dredge and Egg Wash

In one bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, beat 4 large eggs together with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce and a splash of water.

Third Step: Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece first in the dry flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture. Place coated tenders on a wire rack and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to set the crust. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F.

Fourth Step: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 2 1/2 cups honey, 5 tablespoons hot sauce, 2 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir gently and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for thicker consistency.

Fifth Step: Fry the Chicken

Fill a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil or shortening and heat over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, cooking 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Sprinkle kosher salt over the tenders. Keep warm in the oven during frying.

Sixth Step: Serve with Hot Honey

Drizzle the fried chicken tenders generously with hot honey sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish optionally with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or avocado slices for added texture and flavor.

Patience during frying and sauce simmering ensures perfectly crisp chicken with a rich, balanced sweet-spicy glaze.

Mastering Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Chicken

Marinate longer: Up to 2 hours if time allows, improves tenderness and depth of flavor.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep frying oil between 350°F-375°F for the crispiest crust without greasiness.
Rest coated chicken: Letting coated tenders sit before frying helps the batter adhere better.
Simmer sauce gently: Over low heat prevents burning honey, preserving its sweetness.

Recipe Variations

Mild version: Reduce cayenne pepper or omit hot sauce in sauce and egg wash.
Spicy kick: Add extra cayenne or chipotle powder to suit heat lovers.
Gluten free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for the dredge.
Alternate proteins: Try this method with chicken thighs, wings, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option.
Sauces: Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance sweetness and spice.

These tips and twists help tailor the dish to your liking and occasion.

How to Store Hot Honey Garlic Chicken: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store leftover fried chicken and hot honey sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to preserve crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze fried, un-sauced chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags to prevent sticking. Freeze sauce in small airtight containers. Freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in an air fryer or a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Add hot honey sauce after reheating to prevent sogginess.

Storing sauce and chicken separately is crucial for retaining texture when enjoying leftovers.

Nutritional Value of Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	Notes
Calories	Approx. 450-500 kcal	Provides energy from protein, fats, and sugars
Protein	35-40 g	Supports muscle maintenance from chicken tenders
Fat	20-25 g	Includes fats from frying oil and sauce
Carbohydrates	35-40 g	Mainly from honey and flour
Sodium	Variable	Depends on seasoning and hot sauce

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein while honey offers natural sweetness with added antioxidants. For more on the benefits of eating chicken, explore trusted nutrition sources.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

What is hot honey garlic chicken, and what makes it unique?

Hot honey garlic chicken balances sweet honey, spicy cayenne, and savory garlic flavors. The dish features crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, making it versatile for mains or appetizers and appealing to fans of bold flavors.

How do you make hot honey garlic chicken less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, decrease or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the sauce and dredge. You can substitute with a milder sweet chili sauce or add more honey to balance heat without sacrificing flavor.

What ingredients do I need for hot honey garlic chicken?

Key ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken tenders, buttermilk for marinating, a combination of flour and cornstarch for dredging, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, honey, and vegetable oil for frying. Optional garnishes include avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Do I need to cook the chicken before marinating in the sauce?

No, the chicken is marinated raw in buttermilk with salt and pepper to tenderize and add flavor before being dredged and fried. Marinating after cooking is not recommended as it won’t penetrate the meat as effectively.