A crispy, golden chicken bathed in a sticky honey glaze infused with smoky spices, citrus zest, and a fiery chili kick—perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and savory!
🌟 Ingredients:
🍗 The Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds depth.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – A touch of smokiness.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Boosts savory notes.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – For extra heat.
🥣 The Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for crunch.
- ½ cup cornstarch – Ensures extra crispiness.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Creates a light, crispy texture.
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
🔥 The Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey – The star ingredient.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds umami.
- 1 tbsp butter – For richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the glaze.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – A hint of heat.
- 1 tsp orange zest – Adds a citrusy aroma.
- 1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional) – For spice lovers!
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Process:
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Preparing the Crispy Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat evenly in the flour mixture.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.
3️⃣ Frying to Perfection
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 6-8 minutes per side (or until golden and crispy).
- Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels) for max crispiness.
4️⃣ Making the Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, orange zest, and sriracha.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Glazing the Chicken
- Brush or drizzle the warm honey glaze over crispy chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or fresh chili slices.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve over garlic butter rice or fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Pair with grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Drizzle extra honey glaze for a sweeter finish!
🔥 Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor:
✔ Double-fry the chicken for extra crunch.
✔ Use fresh citrus zest for a bright, aromatic glaze.
✔ For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder.
✔ Make it oven-friendly by baking at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broiling for crispiness.
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