Colorado

Rocky Mountain Honey Fried Chicken

High altitude cooking meets sweet Colorado wildflower honey in this crispy fried chicken. The honey glaze with a hint of heat celebrates Colorado's thriving beekeeping tradition while delivering comfort food that satisfies after a day in the mountains.

⏱ Total 1hr 20min 🍴 Serves 6 🌶 Medium Heat ⭐ Mountain Classic

Equipment Needed

🍳 Cast Iron Skillet
🌡 Deep-Fry Thermometer
🥣 Mixing Bowls
🧬 Wire Rack
🍽 Sauce Pan

Instructions

1

Make the honey brine: Whisk together buttermilk, 2 tablespoons honey, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 4-8 hours. The honey tenderizes and adds subtle sweetness.

2

Prepare the breading: Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly.

3

Make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, butter, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat until butter melts and ingredients combine. Keep warm.

Tip: Colorado wildflower honey has complex floral notes that pair beautifully with the heat. Seek out local varieties.
4

Heat the oil: Pour oil into a large cast iron skillet to 1.5 inches depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C). At Colorado's altitude, oil heats faster, so watch carefully.

5

Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Let rest on a rack for 5 minutes.

6

Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken in hot oil, skin-side down. Don't overcrowd. Fry for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Altitude tip: At high altitude, you may need to fry slightly longer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
7

Rest and glaze: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack. While still hot, brush generously with the warm hot honey glaze. Let some pool on the plate for extra dipping.

8

Serve mountain style: Arrange glazed chicken on a platter. Serve with remaining honey glaze on the side. Pairs perfectly with buttermilk biscuits and coleslaw.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Colorado honey: Look for honey from Front Range or Western Slope apiaries. Each region has distinct floral notes from local wildflowers.
  • Altitude adjustments: At altitude, oil reaches frying temperature faster and water evaporates more quickly. Monitor closely.
  • Spicy honey variation: Infuse honey with fresh jalapenos or Pueblo chiles for authentic Colorado heat.
  • Double glaze: For extra honey flavor, glaze once, let set for 2 minutes, then glaze again.
  • Craft beer pairing: Colorado's craft breweries make this chicken shine - try with a local amber ale or wheat beer.
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