Hot Honey and ’Nduja Southern Fried Chicken
This Hot Honey and ’Nduja Southern Fried Chicken is a fiery fusion of comfort and spice, where crispy buttermilk-fried chicken meets a smoky, spicy-sweet drizzle
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls for marinade and dredging
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Deep Heavy-Bottomed Pan Alternative: Deep fryer
- Kitchen Thermometer to monitor oil temperature
- Tongs for safe flipping and removing chicken
- Wire Rack with Baking Sheet
- Small saucepan for the hot honey ’nduja drizzle
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 2 lb (900 g) bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Breading
- 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (65 g) fine cornmeal
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes
Frying
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or peanut oil
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- 2 tbsp ’nduja sausage spreadable
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional, extra heat
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Submerge the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Rest breaded chicken on a rack for 10 minutes to help the coating set.Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C). Maintain temperature throughout frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken in batches, skin-side down first, for 10–12 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack.Make the Hot Honey ’Nduja: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm honey and stir in ’nduja until melted and smooth. Add apple cider vinegar and chili flakes if using. Keep warm.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle hot honey ’nduja generously over the fried chicken just before serving.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | ~350 g |
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 135 mg |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Vitamin A | 420 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 3.8 mg |