Description
This Spicy Sweet Hot Honey Chicken delivers golden, caramelized perfection with a glaze that strikes the perfect balance between fiery heat and sweet comfort. Juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin gets coated in an addictive hot honey glaze that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (or hot sauce, adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Coat chicken pieces evenly with the marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 12 hours refrigerated).
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. For oven method: Arrange chicken skin-side up on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
5. For stovetop method: Add 1 tablespoon oil to hot skillet. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes without moving. Flip and cook another 6-7 minutes.
6. While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl to make the hot honey glaze.
7. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, generously brush chicken with hot honey glaze. For stovetop, reduce heat to medium-low and baste occasionally.
8. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Drizzle any remaining glaze over chicken and serve hot.
Notes
For extra juicy chicken, try dry-brining with salt for 30 minutes before marinating.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – leave at least 1 inch between pieces for crispy skin.
Chicken thighs are nearly impossible to overcook and stay incredibly juicy.
Apply honey glaze only during final minutes to prevent burning due to high sugar content.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Adjust heat level by increasing or decreasing chili flakes (1 tsp for mild, 2+ tsp for hot).
Substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup for keto/paleo diets.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: spicy sweet hot honey chicken, hot honey chicken, honey glazed chicken, spicy chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken
