Ohio

Ohio Hot Honey Fried Chicken

The Buckeye State's answer to the hot chicken craze, Ohio Hot Honey Fried Chicken combines perfectly crispy fried chicken with a spicy-sweet honey glaze featuring local Ohio honey and a kick of cayenne. It's the perfect balance of heat, sweet, and crunch.

⏱ Total 1hr 45min 🍴 Serves 6 🌶 Spicy-Sweet 🍯 Hot Honey

Equipment Needed

🍳 Large Cast Iron Skillet
🥣 Mixing Bowls
🌡 Thermometer
🥚 Wire Rack
🍴 Small Saucepan

Instructions

1

Marinate the chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2

Prepare seasoned flour: Whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

3

Make the hot honey: In a small saucepan, combine honey, butter, cayenne, red pepper flakes, salt, and vinegar. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Keep warm but don't boil.

Tip: The vinegar is key - it balances the sweetness and helps the glaze adhere to the crispy coating.
4

Heat the oil: Pour oil into a large cast iron skillet to 1 inch depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C).

5

Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess. Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour. Rest 5 minutes.

6

Fry the chicken: Fry chicken pieces 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Work in batches.

7

Drain briefly: Transfer to a wire rack. Let drain for just 1-2 minutes - you want it hot for glazing.

8

Apply the hot honey: While chicken is hot, brush generously with the hot honey glaze. Let drip naturally.

9

Double glaze: Wait 2 minutes, then apply a second coat. Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes for presentation and heat.

10

Serve immediately: Plate with extra hot honey on the side. Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, and pickles to balance the sweet heat.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Use local Ohio honey: Ohio wildflower honey has a distinctive flavor that makes this dish special. Look for it at farmers markets.
  • Adjust the heat: Scale the cayenne up or down based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more.
  • The vinegar makes it: Don't skip the apple cider vinegar - it prevents the glaze from being cloyingly sweet.
  • Glaze while hot: The hot honey sets best when applied to piping hot chicken.
  • Make extra hot honey: It's addictive on biscuits, pizza, and more. Make a double batch.
  • Cincinnati influence: Some Ohio cooks add a pinch of cinnamon to the hot honey for a Cincinnati chili-inspired twist.
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