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If you have ever dreamed of biting into a crispy, golden nugget that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, then this Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful blend of spices and fried to crispy perfection, then drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that delivers a delightful kick with every bite. It’s comfort food elevated into a crave-worthy snack or meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture profile. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the crispy coating that provides crunch to the hot honey sauce that offers just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
- Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, providing juicy, tender bites perfect for coating.
- Kosher salt: 4 ½ teaspoons, divided, essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavor at every stage.
- Black pepper: ¾ teaspoons freshly cracked, plus more to taste, giving a subtle heat and aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups, divided, the foundation of the crunchy, irresistibly crispy coating.
- Garlic powder: 3 teaspoons, divided, for that warm, savory undertone throughout the breading and batter.
- Granulated sugar: 3 teaspoons, divided, balancing spices with a hint of sweetness in both breading and sauce.
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon, divided, adding a manageable but exciting kick in layers.
- Paprika: 1 ½ teaspoons, divided, lending a smoky depth plus vibrant reddish color.
- Egg: 1 large, incorporated into the wet batter to help coat and bind the chicken pieces.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, tenderizing the chicken and creating a smooth batter base.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, in the batter, lightening up the coating for extra crispiness.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: 2 quarts, for frying the nuggets to golden perfection.
- Salted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted as the rich base of the hot honey sauce.
- Honey: ½ cup, for a luscious sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
- Sriracha hot sauce: ½ cup, infusing the sauce with bold heat and tangy flavor.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple step ensures every bite bursts with flavor right from the start, seasoning the chicken evenly and creating a foundation for the coating to cling to.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3 teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This spicy, aromatic dry mixture adds a crunchy, flavorful crust to the nuggets once fried, with a tantalizing blend of heat and sweetness.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Batter and Remaining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together one large egg and 1 cup of buttermilk until smooth. Then, stir in the remaining ¾ cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. This batter is light and flavorful, designed to tenderize the chicken and create the perfect coating underneath the dry mixture.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Drop the seasoned chicken pieces into the buttermilk batter and toss gently to make sure each piece is fully coated. This step guarantees the flour mixture will stick beautifully in the next stage, producing a satisfyingly crunchy crust when fried.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Set up a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet to drain the fried nuggets later. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, pour in 2 quarts of vegetable or peanut oil. Use a deep-fry thermometer and heat over medium-high heat to maintain a steady 325°F for frying. This temperature is key for cooking the nuggets evenly without burning the coating.
Step 6: Bread and Fry the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the wet batter, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to cover every nook and cranny. Carefully place the nuggets in the hot oil in batches—avoid crowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the cooked nuggets with a slotted spoon to the cooling rack to drain excess oil while you keep the oil temperature steady between batches.
Step 7: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the nuggets fry, melt ½ cup of salted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in ½ cup honey and ½ cup Sriracha hot sauce until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and warmed through. This hot honey sauce will become your game-changing glaze or dip, adding luscious sweetness and spicy heat that make these nuggets addictive.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Place the crispy chicken nuggets on a serving platter and either drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Each mouthful is a perfect harmony of crunchy, tender, sweet, and spicy that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation and added flavor hints, sprinkle freshly chopped scallions or finely minced fresh cilantro on top of the nuggets. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds can also add a subtle nutty crunch that complements the hot honey sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets with classic sides like crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. A simple coleslaw or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness and heat perfectly. If you want to keep it fun, pick some crunchy carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a refreshing bite between spicy morsels.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the experience by serving your nuggets in small mason jars with the hot honey sauce layered or drizzled inside so each bite bursts with flavor. Alternatively, arrange nuggets alongside mini slider buns and your favorite toppings to create irresistible hot honey chicken sliders—perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to preserve their crispy coating as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken nuggets by spreading them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month. For cooked nuggets, freeze fully cooled pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag for best quality.
Reheating
To regain the crispy texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the breading soggy. Once warmed, drizzle with fresh hot honey sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor, which can make the nuggets even juicier. Just cut them into similar 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can swap chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets coated in the same batter and fried for a delicious vegetarian take on this Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The hot honey sauce balances sweetness with a moderate level of heat from Sriracha, so it should be enjoyable for most spice lovers without being overwhelming. You can adjust the Sriracha amount to suit your taste.
Can I bake the nuggets instead of frying?
While frying is preferred for maximum crispiness, you can bake the coated chicken on a greased wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes turning halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What else can I serve with this dish?
Besides fries and salads, these nuggets pair wonderfully with creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese and even a chilled cucumber yogurt sauce to cool down the heat if you want contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings irresistible flavors and textures to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something special for dinner, these nuggets are sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try and watch everyone fall in love with every sweet, spicy, crunchy bite!
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Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets with a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, perfectly seasoned and fried to juicy perfection. These Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets offer a delightful balance of heat and honeyed sweetness, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Dry Coating – First Part
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika, divided
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
Wet Batter and Remaining Dry Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For Frying
- 2 quarts vegetable or peanut oil
Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup Sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste evenly over the chicken pieces to ensure they are well-seasoned for tasty bites.
- Prepare dry coating (first part): In a shallow bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3 teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the first dry mixture for breading.
- Prepare wet batter and remaining dry ingredients: In another shallow bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk. Whisk in remaining ¾ cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and baking soda until smooth and fully combined.
- Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly, ensuring an even batter layer.
- Heat the oil: Set a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Fill a large heavy pot with the vegetable oil and attach a deep-fry thermometer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F, the ideal frying temperature.
- Bread and fry the chicken: Remove one chicken piece from the wet batter, letting excess drip off, then dredge it in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Carefully place the coated chicken in batches into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove nuggets with a slotted spoon and drain on the cooling rack. Keep the oil temperature consistent at 325°F between batches.
- Make the hot honey sauce: While frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in honey and Sriracha hot sauce until the sauce is smooth, well combined, and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the fried chicken nuggets to a serving platter. Drizzle with the hot honey sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip for a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy bite.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 325°F to achieve crispy, golden nuggets without overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and Sriracha.
- Adjust the hot honey sauce proportions to taste; add more honey for sweetness or more Sriracha for heat.
- Let the fried nuggets drain on a cooling rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
