Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe

Sweet, sticky, and ultra crispy—your new go-to comfort food.

Growing up, Sunday nights were always family dinner nights, and my mom’s crispy chicken was the star of the table. One night, she decided to toss those golden bites in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce—and just like that, Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken became a permanent favorite in our home.

Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving comfort food that feels special but is still incredibly easy to make. After testing countless versions, this one nails it: super crispy chicken tossed in a thick, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken

  • Crispy coating: Double-dredged for that satisfying crunch
  • Sticky, flavorful sauce: The perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy
  • Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults
  • Made with pantry staples
  • Versatile: Great as a main, party appetizer, or sandwich filling

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For Serving:

  • Chopped parsley or green onions
  • Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, pour buttermilk over chicken pieces. Let marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.

Tip: A longer marinade results in more tender, flavorful chicken.

2. Prepare the Dredge

In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture.
Optional: For extra crispiness, double dredge—dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate or wire rack to drain.

5. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine barbecue sauce, honey, butter, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and glossy—do not boil.

6. Toss and Serve

Toss fried chicken pieces with the warm sauce or drizzle over the top to preserve extra crunch. Garnish and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature
  • Double dredging gives you a thicker crust
  • Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
  • Toss gently to avoid sogging the crust
  • Serve right away for maximum crispiness

Variations

  • Baked version: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack
  • Air fryer: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
  • Make it spicy: Add 1 tbsp hot sauce to the BBQ mixture
  • Different proteins: Use shrimp, tofu, or turkey for a twist
  • Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour and BBQ sauce

Serving Ideas

  • Classic pairing: Serve with fries or potato wedges
  • Salad topper: Adds crunch and flavor to a green salad
  • Sandwiches and wraps: Great in a brioche bun with slaw
  • Appetizers: Serve on skewers for parties or game day

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes at 375°F
  • Freezing: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Fry or bake straight from frozen

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes on a rack for the crispiest result.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, but you can easily spice it up with hot sauce or cayenne.

What BBQ sauce works best?
Any kind—smoky, spicy, or sweet. Use your favorite or mix for balance.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep both the chicken and sauce in advance. Store separately and toss together when ready to serve.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Based on 1 serving, including sauce; may vary based on brand and preparation

  • Calories: 570
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 620mg

If you’re craving something crispy, sticky, and downright delicious, this Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken delivers. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite too.

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