Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken pieces coated in a crisp crust, tossed in a sticky honey glaze with a fiery garlic kick inspired by Chicago's famous fried chicken spots. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 300 minutes blends chicken drumsticks and thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 270 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, pour 2 cups buttermilk over 8 chicken drumsticks and thighs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to coat completely. Set aside on a rack.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F, enough oil to submerge the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Fry chicken pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and is fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Toss the hot fried chicken in the honey garlic sauce until evenly glazed. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (270 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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