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Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious dish that masterfully balances spicy heat with sweet honey flavors. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned and seared to a crispy golden finish, then glazed in a luscious, slightly sticky hot honey sauce made from natural honey, red chili flakes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering irresistible comfort and a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Hot Honey Sauce

  • 1/4 cup natural honey (natural)
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Garnishes (optional)

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Finely sliced scallions
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coating for deep flavor penetration and crispy skin.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes until nearly cooked through.
  3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine natural honey, red chili flakes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to blend sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
  4. Glaze the Chicken: Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken repeatedly to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every piece.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This locks in the juices and lets the natural gelling agent in the honey slightly thicken the sauce for an irresistible finish.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken thoroughly before cooking to achieve a crispier texture.
  • Adjust red chili flakes amount to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Bone-in thighs provide juicier results compared to boneless pieces.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning instead of steaming.
  • Finishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds freshness and vibrant color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken, sweet and spicy, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken, crispy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/hot-honey-chicken/