Hot Honey Fried Chicken from Yardbird features crispy, golden-brown buttermilk fried chicken glazed with a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and served with pickles for a perfect blend of heat, crunch, and tangy freshness.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Plate (for serving)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.4kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
- Pickles
Make sure to use fresh buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and achieve a juicy interior. The combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in the flour mixture creates a balanced, flavorful crust that's key to the dish's signature taste. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to ensure the chicken crisps without burning. When preparing the hot honey sauce, opt for a quality honey and Frank's RedHot sauce to replicate the perfect spicy-sweet glaze. Your copycat Hot Honey Fried Chicken from Yardbird will shine when served with fresh herbs and tangy pickles, delivering the authentic heat, crunch, and freshness fans love.
Instructions
- Cut chicken into desired pieces if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and 1 teaspoon salt; whisk to mix.
- Add chicken pieces to buttermilk mixture; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In another bowl, mix flour, remaining salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Pour vegetable oil into deep fryer or pot to 2-3 inches depth; heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 12-15 minutes); use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove.
- Drain chicken on a clean wire rack.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat sauce over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and sauce is smooth.
- Brush or drizzle hot honey sauce generously over fried chicken.
- Garnish chicken with chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve chicken with pickles on a plate.
Substitution
Hot Honey Fried Chicken from Yardbird copycat recipes capture the signature crispy texture and spicy-sweet glaze that make this dish so popular. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar tangy effect needed for tenderizing the chicken. Using a deep fryer ensures even cooking and a consistent golden crust, but a heavy-bottomed pot filled with vegetable oil can work if carefully monitored with a thermometer. In case you lack hot sauce, any preferred chili sauce or sriracha can replace it to maintain that spicy kick in the honey glaze. When serving, placing the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet prevents sogginess by allowing excess oil to drip away, keeping the crust crispier for longer.
Tips
Make sure to maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to achieve crispy, golden-brown chicken without undercooking or burning. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging in flour to prevent soggy coating and ensure even crispiness. Use a wire rack for draining fried chicken instead of paper towels to keep the crust extra crunchy by avoiding steam buildup. When glazing with hot honey sauce, brush immediately while chicken is hot to help the sauce adhere and penetrate the crispy crust for maximum flavor.
Nutritions
Hot Honey Fried Chicken offers a rich source of protein from the chicken, supporting muscle repair and growth. The buttermilk marinade provides calcium and probiotics, promoting digestive health. The honey and hot sauce glaze adds natural sugars and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide antioxidant benefits. You can enjoy this flavorful dish while balancing indulgence with nutrients from fresh herbs and pickles.
Storage
Store your Hot Honey Fried Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its crispiness and flavor. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the coating to become soggy and lose its delicious crunch.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the hot honey fried chicken, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk mixed with a splash of hot sauce for an extra spicy depth. Substitute half the all-purpose flour with cornstarch to achieve a lighter, crunchier coating. You can also swap apple cider vinegar in the sauce for fresh lemon juice to add a brighter acidity. Using your favorite chili paste instead of bottled hot sauce personalizes the heat level and flavor profile perfectly.
Allergies
Hot Honey Fried Chicken from Yardbird contains common allergens such as buttermilk, which may pose a risk for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The flour used in the coating contains gluten, which is harmful to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Be aware that the spicy hot honey sauce includes hot sauce and red pepper flakes, potentially triggering reactions in people sensitive to spicy foods or certain peppers.
Why this recipe?
The Hot Honey Fried Chicken from Yardbird restaurant captivates customers with its perfect balance of crispy, savory fried chicken and a sweet, spicy honey glaze that creates an irresistible flavor profile. The dish combines high-quality buttermilk-brined chicken with a signature Nashville-style crust, delivering a crunchy texture that contrasts with the sticky, spicy-sweet drizzle. Your attempt at a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this crave-worthy blend of heat and sweetness at home, impressing family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish. Replicating Yardbird's Hot Honey Fried Chicken offers a taste experience that stands out for its bold flavors and expertly crafted preparation.