Hot Honey Lollipop Fried Chicken

Steps9

1. 1

   Step 1. Shape chicken lollipops

   Cut around the base of each drumstick with a sharp knife, scrape meat down toward the thicker end to form a lollipop shape, and remove any tendons.

   Search for a video tutorial on shaping chicken lollipops if this is your first time — the technique is visual and takes practice.
2. 2

   Step 2. Make marinade

   In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.

   Adjust cayenne to control heat level — start with less if you prefer mild.
3. 3

   Step 3. Marinate chicken

   2 h

   Add shaped chicken lollipops to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

   Overnight marinating deepens flavor and tenderizes the meat.

   Chicken drumstick
4. 4

   Step 4. Prepare coating

   In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and baking powder if using.

   Baking powder makes the crust extra crispy and light.
5. 5

   Step 5. Coat chicken

   Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each lollipop in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat all sides, then shake off excess.

   Let coated chicken rest on a rack for 10 minutes before frying for better crust adhesion.

   Chicken drumstick
6. 6

   Step 6. Heat oil

   Pour vegetable oil into a deep heavy pot to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat to 175°C / 350°F.

   Use a thermometer to monitor temperature — too cool and the coating turns greasy, too hot and it burns before the chicken cooks through.
7. 7

   Step 7. Fry chicken

   10 min

   Working in batches, fry the chicken lollipops for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack.

   Don't crowd the pot — maintain oil temperature by frying 3-4 lollipops at a time.

   Chicken drumstick
8. 8

   Step 8. Make hot honey sauce

   3 min

   In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Warm until smooth and combined. Taste and adjust honey and hot sauce to your preference.

   Keep the sauce warm while frying so it coats the chicken easily.
9. 9

   Step 9. Glaze and serve

   Brush or toss the fried chicken lollipops with the hot honey sauce until well coated. Serve immediately while crispy and hot.

   For crispier coating, drizzle the sauce over the chicken instead of tossing.

   Chicken drumstick