Description
This Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that balances sweet honey and a gentle spicy kick, perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, it delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, aromatic glaze that is both family-friendly and adaptable to various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure a flavorful, crispy crust during cooking.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat. This mixture will coat the chicken with a delightful sweet and spicy glaze.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary based on thickness.
- Glaze the Chicken: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken and gently toss or spoon the sauce to coat evenly. Let it simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is beautifully caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skillet and plate immediately. Spoon any extra hot honey sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish as desired and serve alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, but chicken breasts also work if cooked carefully.
- Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps achieve a crispy exterior instead of steaming.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to customize spice levels.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice to elevate the flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, quick chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, honey glazed chicken