If you’re craving a flavorful feast that combines sweet heat with smoky goodness, the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe is your new go-to. This platter brings together tender, smoky baby back ribs slathered in barbecue sauce and golden, crispy fried chicken kissed by a vibrant hot honey glaze. The delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, paired with crunchy coleslaw and comforting sides, creates a truly unforgettable barbecue experience perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe simple but packed with essential, high-impact ingredients makes the cooking process approachable and the flavors sing. Each element contributes to the overall texture, aroma, and taste that will wow your palate.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These form the crispy fried chicken centerpiece with juicy tenderness inside.
  • 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang for extra flavor.
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crunchy coating for perfectly fried chicken.
  • 1 tsp paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth and vibrant color to the flour coating.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the breading with savory garlicky notes.
  • 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
  • ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle bite to the fried coating.
  • Vegetable oil (for frying): The best choice for frying due to its high smoke point.
  • 2 racks baby back ribs: The smoky backbone of the platter, tender and juicy.
  • ¼ cup BBQ seasoning or dry rub: Adds intense smoky, spicy notes to the ribs.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand): Brings tangy, rich layers of classic barbecue flavor.
  • ¼ cup honey: Creates the luscious sweet base for the hot honey sauce.
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste): Introduces the signature kick and heats up the honey sauce.
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with bright acidity in the hot honey mix.
  • Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and cool contrast.
  • Cornbread or garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up those sticky, saucy bites.
  • Grilled vegetables: Adds color and a smoky garden-fresh component to the meal.

How to Make Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

First things first, preheat your grill or oven to a low and steady 300°F (150°C). This low-and-slow method ensures the ribs become incredibly tender. Rub both sides of the baby back ribs generously with your BBQ seasoning or dry rub, coating each rack thoroughly to infuse deep smoky and spicy flavors. Place them on the grill or into your oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, allowing the meat to slowly soften and develop rich flavor. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce to create that sticky, finger-licking finish everyone loves.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the ribs cook, it’s time to whip up the hot honey sauce that truly makes this platter shine. Combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until everything blends into a smooth, glossy sauce. This sauce balances sweetness, tang, and heat perfectly, and you can always adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference. This sauce will be drizzled generously over your finished proteins for that signature Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe punch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Next up is your golden fried chicken. Start by soaking the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes; this tenderizes the meat and gives it a subtle tang. Meanwhile, create the dredging mixture by combining flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl — this blend will give your chicken coating amazing flavor and crunch. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated to get that irresistible crust. Fry the chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and cook through completely. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Platter

Now comes the rewarding part — assembling your Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe. Arrange the crispy fried chicken and tender ribs artistically on a large serving platter. Generously drizzle your house-made hot honey sauce over the chicken and ribs to impart that luscious sweet and spicy essence that defines this dish. Add welcoming sides like crisp coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled vegetables on the platter or in separate bowls for an inviting presentation that will impress everyone at your table.

How to Serve Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe

Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten the platter with a pop of color and freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side offer a zesty contrast that guests can squeeze for added brightness. Adding extra hot honey sauce in a small bowl nearby invites everyone to dip and drizzle as much as they like, enhancing that perfect balance of spicy sweetness.

Side Dishes

Coleslaw is the classic chilled crunch that contrasts the hot, crispy chicken and smoky ribs beautifully. Cornbread or garlic bread serves as the comforting starch that’s perfect for sopping up the sticky sauce. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn add smoky depth and vibrant color, rounding out the meal with some healthy freshness amidst all that indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve the platter on a large wooden board or rustic tray for a casual, inviting look. Arrange the ribs and chicken in staggered layers with sides nestled around to create visual interest. Using small ramekins for sauces and coleslaw keeps things neat and lets everyone customize their plate. For a festive touch, scatter some pickled jalapeño slices or chopped green onions across the platter for a pop of heat and sharpness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the ribs and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps retain their individual textures and flavors without sogginess. Keep the hot honey sauce in a small sealed jar or container to pour fresh when reheating. Proper storage will keep everything tasting delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked ribs and fried chicken, but be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the hot honey sauce separately in a small airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw everything overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing is a great way to enjoy this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe on a future date with minimal effort.

Reheating

Reheat ribs in a low-temperature oven (around 275°F/135°C) wrapped in foil to keep them moist, heating for about 15-20 minutes. For the fried chicken, reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore crispness without drying out. Warm the hot honey sauce gently on the stove or microwave before drizzling over. This method preserves the best textures and flavors as close to fresh as possible.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks would work wonderfully in this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe. Just remember to increase the frying time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without burning the crust.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The heat level is quite flexible. The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, but you can easily adjust this to be milder or more fiery depending on your taste. The honey balances out the heat with sweetness, making it approachable for most people.

Can I make this recipe without grilling the ribs?

Yes, you can cook the ribs entirely in the oven. Slow roasting at 300°F for 2 to 2.5 hours will create tender, flavorful ribs just as well as grilling does. Just be sure to finish with BBQ sauce brushed on for that sticky finish.

Is buttermilk necessary for the fried chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tanginess, which enhances flavor and moistness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar is a good substitute to achieve similar results.

What can I serve instead of coleslaw?

Other crisp, refreshing salads like cucumber salad, simple green salad, or even pickled vegetables pair well to cut through the richness of the platter. They offer a bright crunch that balances the indulgent flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors that come together effortlessly for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or hosting a backyard gathering, this platter will keep everyone coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share the joy of smoky ribs, crispy fried chicken, and that addictive hot honey glaze—it’s a winning combination you’ll want to make again and again.

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Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe


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4 from 59 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Hot Honey Barbecue Platter features crispy fried chicken breasts paired with tender, slow-cooked baby back ribs glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey BBQ sauce. Accompanied by classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled vegetables, this hearty meal is perfect for BBQ lovers craving a mix of heat and sweetness in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Ribs and Sauce

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • ¼ cup BBQ seasoning or dry rub
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Sides

  • Coleslaw
  • Cornbread or garlic bread
  • Grilled vegetables

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). Rub both sides of the ribs evenly with BBQ seasoning or dry rub to infuse them with flavor.
  2. Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs on the grill or in the oven and cook slowly for 2 to 2.5 hours until they become tender and juicy. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce to create a sticky glaze.
  3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warmed through and well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the level of spiciness based on your preference.
  4. Soak the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl with buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
  5. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful dredging mixture for the chicken.
  6. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Carefully fry the chicken breasts, cooking about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through internally.
  7. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
  8. Assemble the Platter: Arrange the fried chicken and BBQ ribs on a large serving platter. Drizzle the prepared hot honey sauce generously over both the chicken and ribs to enhance the flavor.
  9. Add Sides and Serve: Garnish the platter with coleslaw, cornbread or garlic bread, and grilled vegetables. Serve immediately with extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping to enjoy the full experience of this flavorful barbecue feast.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce to suit your spice preference.
  • If you prefer, ribs can be cooked entirely in the oven instead of on the grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Feel free to swap out sides based on preference, such as potato salad or baked beans.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying and Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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