Name: Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks or thighs); 2 cups buttermilk; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced

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Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken is my go-to when I want that perfect mix of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender, while the golden fried crust delivers crunch in every bite. What seals the deal is the sticky glaze — made with honey, hot sauce, and a touch of brown sugar — coating each piece with bold flavor and irresistible shine.

Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks or thighs)

2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sweet Heat Glaze:

½ cup honey

¼ cup hot sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

I start by marinating the chicken in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then I cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour — overnight if I’ve planned ahead — to tenderize and soak up flavor.

In a shallow dish, I mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch more salt and pepper.

I take the chicken out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and dredge it in the seasoned flour until it’s coated thoroughly.

In a heavy skillet or deep pot, I heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). I carefully fry the chicken for 12–15 minutes, turning as needed until golden and cooked through. Then I transfer it to a wire rack to drain.

While the chicken fries, I make the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. I let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

I brush the warm glaze all over the freshly fried chicken and serve it hot and sticky.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use chicken wings or boneless thighs for a twist.

For a smokier glaze, I swap out regular hot sauce for chipotle hot sauce.

If I want a sweeter glaze, I increase the honey and skip the chili flakes.

I’ve also tried this with a gluten-free flour blend, and it still came out crispy.

For an oven-baked version, I coat the chicken and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, then glaze.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes to keep the chicken crispy. The glaze can be reheated separately on the stovetop or microwave and brushed on again before serving.

FAQs

How spicy is the sweet heat glaze?

It’s got a mild to moderate kick, depending on the hot sauce and whether I add chili flakes. I can easily adjust the heat level to suit my taste.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the glaze ahead and keep it in the fridge. I just warm it up before brushing it onto the chicken.

What’s the best oil for frying?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or peanut oil for the crispiest results.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely. Boneless thighs or breast strips work well, but they cook faster — usually in 8–10 minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

I use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s become a regular in my kitchen. I love how it combines crispy comfort with sticky, spicy sweetness. Whether I’m cooking for family or treating myself, this recipe always hits the spot.

📖 Recipe:

Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Sweet Heat Glazed Fried Chicken delivers crispy, juicy fried chicken with a sticky-sweet and spicy glaze made from honey, hot sauce, and brown sugar. A comforting dish with a bold twist.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
In a shallow dish, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Remove chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, and dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning as needed until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
While the chicken is frying, make the glaze. In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Brush the warm glaze over the freshly fried chicken and serve hot.