Bee's Bounty Hot Honey Fried Chicken

Golden, extra-crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, smoky, and spicy Bee's Bounty Hot Honey glaze for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a glossy drizzle of Bee's Bounty Hot Honey, this Hot Honey Fried Chicken delivers the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, smokiness, and gentle heat. Our Bee's Bounty Hot Honey is handcrafted by cold-infusing premium raw honey with Korean Gochugaru, Thai Bird's Eye Chillies, Spanish Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Pink Himalayan Salt, creating layers of flavour rather than overwhelming heat. Whether served as a family dinner, game-day favourite, or weekend indulgence, this recipe brings restaurant-quality fried chicken to your kitchen.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 4 hours (overnight recommended)
  • Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Difficulty

★★★☆☆ Moderate

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 kg chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Crispy Coating

  • 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (65 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Hot Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup (170 g) Bee's Bounty Hot Honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Frying

  • Vegetable or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Pickle slices

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Deep frying pot or Dutch oven
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Tongs
  • Baking tray

Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Buttermilk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2 – Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Cornflour
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3 – Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, craggy coating. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Step 4 – Heat the Oil

Heat the frying oil to 170–175°C (340–350°F). Maintain this temperature throughout cooking for evenly cooked, crispy chicken.

Step 5 – Fry the Chicken

Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 14–18 minutes, turning occasionally until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6 – Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:
  • Bee's Bounty Hot Honey
  • Butter
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Smoked paprika
Warm gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Do not boil.

Step 7 – Glaze the Chicken

Drizzle the warm Bee's Bounty Hot Honey generously over the fried chicken, or lightly brush each piece for an even coating. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:
  • Creamy coleslaw
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • French fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Corn on the cob
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Pickles
  • Garden salad
  • Fresh lemonade
Perfect for:
  • Weekend family dinners
  • Game nights
  • Barbecues
  • Casual entertaining
  • Picnic baskets

Chef's Tips

  • Marinating overnight produces exceptionally juicy chicken.
  • Resting the coated chicken before frying helps the coating adhere better.
  • Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature.
  • Drain the chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep it crispy.
  • Drizzle the hot honey just before serving for maximum crunch.

Bee's Bounty Honey Pairings

Bee's Bounty Hot Honey

The signature choice for this recipe, delivering a perfectly balanced combination of sweetness, smokiness, and gentle chilli heat.

Sidr Hot Honey

For those who enjoy deeper caramel notes with their spice, a Sidr Honey-based hot honey variation creates an even richer glaze.

Nutritional Highlights

Approximate nutrition per serving:
  • Calories: 620–700 kcal
  • Protein: 35–40 g
  • Fat: 34–38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38–42 g
  • Natural Sugars: From Bee's Bounty Hot Honey
This recipe combines high-quality protein with the bold, naturally sweet flavour of Bee's Bounty Hot Honey, creating a satisfying meal that's full of character.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Store the Bee's Bounty Hot Honey glaze separately and warm gently before serving. Not recommended for microwave reheating, as it may soften the crispy coating.

Variations

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Serve crispy fried chicken on a toasted brioche bun with:
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Pickles
  • Coleslaw
  • Extra Bee's Bounty Hot Honey

Hot Honey Chicken & Waffles

Pair crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles and an extra drizzle of Bee's Bounty Hot Honey for a sweet and savoury brunch favourite.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Replace bone-in chicken with chicken tenderloins and reduce the frying time to 5–7 minutes for a family-friendly snack or appetiser.

Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Coat the chicken as directed, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Brush generously with Bee's Bounty Hot Honey immediately before serving.

Bee's Bounty Recommendation

This recipe is specially designed to showcase the bold, layered flavour of Bee's Bounty Hot Honey, handcrafted by cold-infusing premium raw honey with Korean Gochugaru, Thai Bird's Eye Chillies, Spanish Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Pink Himalayan Salt. Unlike ordinary spicy honey, Bee's Bounty Hot Honey delivers a smooth, well-balanced heat with smoky depth and natural sweetness, creating a glaze that's rich in flavour rather than simply spicy. Every drizzle transforms crispy fried chicken into a gourmet experience, perfectly reflecting our promise of Pure • Raw • Real — From Our Hives to Your Table.