Description
Scotch Bonnet Glaze Chicken is a vibrant Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a bold glaze that balances fiery heat from Scotch bonnet peppers with sweet honey and tangy lime juice. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, delivering explosive flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 skin-on chicken thighs
Scotch Bonnet Glaze
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (handle with care)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (thyme or cilantro), chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This step ensures a crispy skin and helps the glaze adhere better.
- Make the Scotch Bonnet Glaze: In a blender or food processor, combine chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, honey, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour half of the Scotch bonnet glaze over the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to infuse deeper flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down first until the skin is crispy and golden brown, then flip and cook the other side briefly to seal in juices.
- Glaze and Bake: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Brush generously with the remaining Scotch bonnet glaze. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze is sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and serve hot for optimal taste and presentation.
Notes
- Handle Scotch bonnet peppers with gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Remove seeds and membranes from peppers to reduce heat if desired.
- Marinating is essential for infusing flavor and tenderizing the chicken.
- Using skin-on chicken thighs provides crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Brush the glaze multiple times during cooking for a rich, sticky coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Scotch bonnet, spicy chicken, Caribbean chicken, honey glaze chicken, spicy glaze chicken, gluten-free chicken
