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Sweet Hot Chicken

Sweet Hot Chicken

A perfect balance of sweetness and heat, this Sweet Hot Chicken recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you prefer honey-glazed tenders or gochujang-spiced wings, these recipes will elevate your home cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, asian
Servings 4 searving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Tongs
  • Frying pan or air fryer
  • Wire rack (for baking method)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Oil for frying if deep-frying
  • For the Sweet Hot Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce Sriracha or Gochujang
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken sauce

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and smoked paprika.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk.
  • Dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then coat evenly in the dry mix.
  • Cooking Methods:
  • Deep-Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
  • Air-Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray chicken with oil and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Make the Sauce:
  • In a pan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
  • Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Combine:
  • Toss crispy chicken pieces in the sauce until well coated.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Keyword crispy chicken, spicy chicken, sweet hot chicken