hot honey chicken tiptoes into your kitchen with a fragrant dance of sweet, smoky, and fiery notes, as juicy chicken thighs steep in a zesty cider vinegar and paprika marinade. When they sizzle in a hot skillet, you’ll hear that irresistible crackle—just before each tender bite is drizzled with a glossy ribbon of golden honey infused with red pepper flakes and a dash of citrus zest. Imagine gathering around a rustic table, laughter bubbling as you tear into the crisp, caramelized edges and savor the playful balance of heat and honey. This is comfort food with a kick that feels like home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This hot honey chicken
- Sweet and spicy flavor that dances on your taste buds.
- Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with rice, veggies, or salads.
- Great for meal prep; enjoy it all week long!
hot honey chicken
Equipment
- 1 Shallow Bowl For mixing the flour mixture.
- 1 Skillet For frying the chicken.
- 1 small saucepan For preparing the hot honey sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs hearty and juicy
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for that crispy coating
- 1 tsp paprika adds a lovely color and flavor
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder for extra savory goodness
- 1/2 tsp salt enhances all the flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper a hint of spice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey the sweet star of the dish
- 2 tbsp hot sauce for that spicy kick
- 1 tbsp butter adds richness to the sauce
Garnish
- to taste chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken.
Dredging
- Take your chicken thighs and dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a clumpy coating.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Glazing
- Once the chicken is cooked, brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top. Let those flavors soak in!
Serving
- Garnish your hot honey chicken with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 15g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious hot honey chicken!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs – hearty and juicy
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – for that crispy coating
- 1 tsp paprika – adds a lovely color and flavor
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – for extra savory goodness
- 1/2 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – a hint of spice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying
- 1/4 cup honey – the sweet star of the dish
- 2 tbsp hot sauce – for that spicy kick
- 1 tbsp butter – adds richness to the sauce
- Chopped parsley for garnish – a fresh, colorful touch
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken
This delightful Hot Honey Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-14 minutes to cook. Allow a few extra minutes for the flavors to meld after cooking. Get ready for a sweet and spicy treat!
Step 1: Mix the Flour Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Take your chicken thighs and dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a clumpy coating.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
In a separate small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top. Let those flavors soak in!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your hot honey chicken with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 14 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes resting |
| Total Time | 34 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains chicken |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and drizzled with sauce! |
Pro Tips for Making hot honey chicken
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to enhance flavor.
- Use a mix of honey and chili flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
- Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest after frying to keep it juicy.
- Drizzle extra hot honey on top just before serving for a flavor boost.
How to Serve this hot honey chicken
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Top a fresh salad with hot honey chicken for a spicy twist.
- Use it as a filling for tacos, adding avocado and lime for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm tortillas and a side of creamy avocado dip.
- Enjoy it with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Hot honey chicken can be easily stored and enjoyed later:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a microwave for quick reheating, covered to retain moisture.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried or baked chicken with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. The sauce typically features honey infused with chili peppers, giving it a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with heat. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals!
2. Should I put hot honey on chicken before or after cooking?
It’s best to drizzle hot honey on the chicken after cooking. This allows the honey to maintain its flavor and not burn during the cooking process. You can also serve it on the side for dipping, giving everyone the option to add as much or as little as they like!
3. What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce is typically made from a base of honey mixed with chili flakes or hot sauce, and sometimes additional ingredients like garlic or vinegar for extra flavor. The combination creates a sweet and spicy sauce that enhances the taste of chicken and other dishes. You can easily adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili used!
4. How do you make hot honey glaze for chicken?
To make a hot honey glaze for chicken, simply combine honey with your choice of hot sauce or chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently until well mixed, and then brush it over cooked chicken. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess. This glaze will add a beautiful shine and a burst of flavor to your dish!
Final Thoughts
Hot honey chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience! With its perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with friends and family!