Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Crispy Perfection
I’ve made this hot honey chicken thighs recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, it’s a hit. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken with the sweet and spicy sauce is truly what comfort food dreams are made of.
I love how easy it is to make for a quick weeknight meal, yet it’s fancy enough to serve when guests are over. The best part? The irresistible smell of that hot honey butter sauce simmering makes it nearly impossible to wait for dinner!
If you’re ready to give your chicken dinner a flavorful twist, this recipe is the one. Also spice up your dinner with this easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Here are some ingredients for hot honey chicken thighs:
Hot Honey Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Note: Recipe makes 4 servings.
Variations to Try
This recipe is highly adaptable! Here are a few variations to make it suit your preferences:
- Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken thighs for easier prep; just reduce cooking time slightly.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Try the sauce on crispy tofu, tempeh, or roasted cauliflower.
- Add More Heat: Crank up the heat with extra sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet Swap: Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey for a different vibe.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our dinner recipes for inspiration.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl: To coat and season the chicken.
- Saucepan: For making the hot honey butter sauce.
- Cast-iron skillet: To sear and bake the chicken thighs.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken during searing.
- Oven: Finishes cooking the chicken to perfection.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Thighs?
This recipe is straightforward, and the results are worth every step! Here’s how you can make your own hot honey chicken thighs.
Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels; this step is key for getting that perfectly crispy skin.
Next, season the thighs evenly with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir it all together until the ingredients combine into a glossy, aromatic sauce.
Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take the pot off the heat and set it aside while you work on the chicken.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them undisturbed for 7-10 minutes, or until the skin turns golden and crispy.
Flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 7-10 minutes. The goal here is to lock in those juices and develop a crisp, flavorful crust.
Bake with the Sauce
Pour the prepared hot honey butter sauce over the seared chicken thighs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Crisp It Up
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, switch your oven to broiler mode for 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce on the chicken, giving it a sticky, slightly crispy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley, and they’re ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken thighs check all the boxes when it comes to flavor and convenience:
- Simple yet gourmet: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Balanced flavors: The sweet honey and fiery sriracha create an irresistible combo.
- Customizable: Adjust to match your personal spice tolerance or dietary needs.
- Quick cooking: Only 35 minutes from start to finish.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Thighs?
For a stunning presentation, arrange the thighs on a serving platter and drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added color.
These chicken thighs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, roasted vegetables, or cornbread. To complete the meal, serve alongside fresh greens or coleslaw for a refreshing balance to the heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers a balanced combination of nutrients:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 16g
Make Ahead and Storage
These hot honey chicken thighs are great for meal prep or leftovers. You can even make parts of the recipe in advance to save time.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the hot honey butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat before using.
- Storage: Leftover chicken thighs can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When reheating, bake them in the oven to maintain the crispy skin. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave, though the skin will lose its crispness.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Now that I’ve made this recipe so many times, I’ve discovered some tips that make it even better:
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy texture.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness; undercooked chicken is no fun.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as it cools the heat and reduces the crispiness.
- Broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
Does Honey Tenderize Chicken?
Yes, honey can help tenderize chicken! While it doesn’t break down proteins like acidic marinades do, honey locks in moisture and adds a glossy coating that enhances the texture. The natural sugars also encourage browning during cooking, which creates a more flavorful crust on your chicken.
What Is Hot Honey Sauce?
Hot honey sauce is a sweet and spicy condiment created by blending honey with heat-packed ingredients like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. It delivers a bold flavor combo—sweet at first with a fiery kick.
These hot honey chicken thighs are a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, all packed into a dish that’s easy to prepare.
Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels; this step is key for getting that perfectly crispy skin. Next, season the thighs evenly with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir it all together until the ingredients combine into a glossy, aromatic sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take the pot off the heat and set it aside while you work on the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them undisturbed for 7-10 minutes, or until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 7-10 minutes. The goal here is to lock in those juices and develop a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Pour the prepared hot honey butter sauce over the seared chicken thighs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, switch your oven to broiler mode for 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce on the chicken, giving it a sticky, slightly crispy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley, and they’re ready to serve!