hot honey chicken thighs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hot honey chicken thighs recipe

I’m so excited to share this hot honey chicken thighs recipe with you all! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the flavors are out of this world.

I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of spicy hot honey and tangy chicken? It’s a match made in heaven, trust me. And the best part? It’s actually pretty healthy too – just think about all those vitamins and minerals from the honey and spices! As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is so straightforward and simple to make.

I can just toss everything in one pan and let it cook while I’m getting the kids ready for school or helping with homework. It’s a lifesaver, let me tell you. And don’t even get me started on how versatile this recipe is – you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even just eat it on its own (which is my personal favorite). I’ve even used leftover chicken to make salads or wraps for lunch the next day. The possibilities are endless!

Now, let’s talk about where this recipe comes from… Hot honey chicken is a classic dish that originated in the southern United States, where sweet tea and spicy food are staples. The original recipe typically uses a mixture of hot sauce and honey to give the chicken that signature kick. But I like to think outside the box (or in this case, the skillet!) and add my own twist by using different types of honey or spices to change up the flavor profile.

My favorite thing to do is experiment with different combinations of ingredients to see what works best for my family. And let me tell you – we’ve had some winners over the years! Some of our favorites include adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or using different types of hot sauce for an extra kick. The key to making this dish work is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on that good stuff! You want your chicken to be juicy and tender, not dry and flavorless.

So go ahead, take your time, and enjoy every bite of this delicious hot honey chicken thighs recipe.

Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

4.8 from 1854 votes

Crispy, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Hot Honey Sauce

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
4In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5Add the chicken thighs and drizzle with olive oil.
6Toss to coat evenly.
7Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
8Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9While the chicken roasts, make the hot honey sauce.
10In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
11Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer.
12Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
13Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven.
14Using a basting brush, generously coat each thigh with the hot honey sauce.
15Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
16Watch closely to prevent burning.
17Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
18Brush with any remaining sauce before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Small saucepan
Whisk
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. If you prefer less spice, reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Works

This hot honey chicken thighs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. And don’t worry about leftovers – they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave for up to three days.

In fact, I like to serve them at family gatherings because everyone loves them! If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to serve these bad boys, try pairing them with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

Q: What is hot honey?

Hot honey is a type of honey that has been infused with hot peppers or other spicy ingredients to give it a distinctive kick.

Q: Can I use regular honey instead?

No, regular honey won’t give you the same level of heat as hot honey.

Q: How do I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?

You can adjust the level of heat by using more or less hot honey.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?

No, boneless chicken breasts will not hold up as well as bone-in thighs.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure! You can marinate the chicken overnight and then cook it in the morning.

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