There’s something beautifully nostalgic about fried chicken; it reminds me of family gatherings on warm summer evenings, where the tables overflowed with laughter and love. Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken takes that heartwarming tradition and adds a little spicy twist that’ll have everyone coming back for more. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into creating a dish that tastes like home.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort that brings family and friends together. The combination of tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a crispy coating, then bathed in a sweet and spicy glaze, will awaken your taste buds and warm your heart. Trust me, once you serve this dish, you’ll find it hard to resist the smiles and happy nods around the table.
How to make Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
Gather your favorite apron and let’s pull together the wholesome ingredients that will turn your kitchen into a haven of Southern goodness.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 pieces bone-in chicken
- Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups potato starch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let them soak overnight; it makes a world of difference.
- When you’re ready to fry, mix the potato starch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a shallow bowl. This will bring out a wonderful crunch.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Coat the chicken generously in the starch mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, beautiful layer. Place each piece on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes; this helps the coating adhere better while frying.
- Heat your oil in a deep skillet to about 325-350°F. Fry the chicken in small batches—3 to 4 pieces is just right, so you don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.
- For the glaze, combine honey, hot sauce, pickle juice, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, and then whisk in the butter. Finally, stir in those crunchy, delightful chopped pickles.
- Toss the fried chicken in the warm glaze to coat it completely, or brush it on for a lighter touch. Either way, you’re in for a treat! Serve it hot, and watch the smiles bloom.
How to serve Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
This dish is perfect for a family feast or a casual backyard gathering. Serve the chicken alongside fluffy biscuits, coleslaw, and perhaps a batch of corn on the cob. And don’t forget to have some extra hot sauce or glaze on hand for drizzling!
How to store Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if in my house), store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results to keep that crispy coating.
Tips to make Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
- For an extra kick, you might want to adjust the cayenne to your taste.
- Marinating overnight not only keeps the chicken tender; it infuses the meat with fantastic flavor.
- Don’t rush the frying process. Patience ensures an even, golden crispy exterior.
Variations
Feel free to swap out the hot sauce for your favorite variety or use different spices in the coating. If you adore pickles, try adding more to the glaze or even serving extra on the side!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Sure! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, but boneless thighs or breasts will work just fine. Just adjust the frying time accordingly.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Bake it at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Just remember, it may not be as crispy, but it’ll still be delicious.
Is the glaze too spicy?
If you’re worried about the heat from the hot sauce, feel free to reduce the amount or use a milder variety. The honey and pickle juice balance the heat beautifully!
Cooking brings us together, and there’s something magical about sharing a meal made with love and care. I hope you try this Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken and find joy in both the cooking and the gathering. After all, the best recipes are the ones that create lasting memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking, y’all!
Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Mix the potato starch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece generously in the starch mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Place each piece on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 325-350°F.
- Fry the chicken in small batches (3-4 pieces) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Combine honey, hot sauce, pickle juice, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly, then whisk in the butter and add chopped pickles.
- Toss the fried chicken in the warm glaze to coat, or brush on for a lighter touch. Serve hot.