Description
Savor the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with this easy Hot Honey Chicken recipe. Featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed with a luscious blend of honey, hot sauce, garlic, and butter, this dish offers a delightful crispy skin and bold flavors. Quick to prepare and versatile to serve, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Customize the heat level and enjoy a comforting yet exciting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil for cooking (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to build a strong flavor foundation.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, hot sauce or chili flakes, and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the hot honey sauce over each piece, allowing the chicken to soak in the glaze. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors and coat the chicken beautifully.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures a crispier skin when cooking.
- Start with less hot sauce or chili flakes and adjust the spice level to your preference as the sauce simmers.
- Do not disturb the chicken while cooking on skin-side to develop a golden crust.
- Use fresh minced garlic for optimal flavor rather than pre-minced garlic.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying (with optional baking or air frying)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg