Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
Crispy Southern Fried Hot Honey Chicken with Buttermilk Ranch Sauce. A simple, not the least bit fancy meal that’s definitely sure to break up the “healthy in January” trend. This fried chicken is SO good. Drenched in plenty of buttermilk, coated in a spicy flour mixture, smothered in hot honey sauce. Then follow it up with a cool down using that buttermilk ranch as a dipping sauce. I mean extra saucy, super crunchy, and just so so tasty. Don’t forget an ice cold glass of beer on the side though because well this dinner was just made to pair with a beer ;) !!
Ok, so when you’re really just looking for something simple, fried chicken is just about as plain and basic as it gets. But it definitely needs to be spicy with a cool down dipping sauce. Because those flavors really can’t be beat. It’s kind of a comfort food, and January is all about comfort, healthy or not.
Bonus?! We made this recipe in January which means football playoffs and….Super Bowl Sunday!!!! What do you guys think about this crispy, spicy chicken as a main on the big Sunday game day?! We think this is pretty perfect for it. Plus, it serves a lot of people, so it’s perfect if you’re having a little Super Bowl party with family and friends. Because every good Super Bowl party needs a spicy chicken dish. Whether it’s wings or nuggets OR this Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken.
Speaking of Super Bowl Sunday, do you guys have any fun plans yet?! Or is it too soon? Any predictions who’s going to be the winner this year?
We have no idea what our plans are yet or who will even be competing in this years Super Bowl, but we're definitely excited for the menu and menu planning! Stay tuned.
Ingredients
4 chicken drumsticks
4 chicken thighs
6 - 8 chicken wings
4 cups buttermilk
2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
For the Brine
3 tablespoons peppercorns
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons salt
4 cups water
For the Flour Mix
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons pepper
Hot Honey Sauce
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons cayenne
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
salt for tasting
Directions
To Brine
In a large stainless steal pot, add peppercorns, bay leaves, salt, and water. Stir until salt has dissolved. Add the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Buttermilking
Remove the chicken from the brine. Shake off the liquid and put it in a ziplock bag. Pour the buttermilk overtop. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 8 hours.
Coating with Flour
In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
Fry in hot oil until golden. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
Transfer to a baking sheet. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with hot honey sauce and buttermilk ranch dip.
