Hot Honey Baked Chicken

$- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite brand) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro) - Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on for flavor and moisture. - Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. - Hot sauce: Adjust the amount for spice. Sriracha is great! - Olive oil: It adds richness and helps the spices stick. - Garlic powder: This gives a nice depth of flavor. - Smoked paprika: It adds a smoky taste that pairs well with honey. - Salt and black pepper: These enhance the overall flavor. - Fresh herbs: Use for garnish to add color and freshness. Quality matters in your ingredients. Fresh chicken thighs will taste best. Look for organic or free-range chicken if possible. For honey, local honey can add a unique flavor. If you need a substitute, maple syrup works well too. When it comes to hot sauce, you can also try chili paste for different heat levels. If you want it milder, use less hot sauce or choose a sweet chili sauce. Olive oil can be swapped for any neutral oil, like canola or avocado oil. For garlic powder, fresh garlic can be used as well. Just chop one clove for each teaspoon. Smoked paprika gives a distinct flavor, but regular paprika or cayenne can work in a pinch. Salt and pepper are usually easy to find, but sea salt can enhance the taste even more. Fresh herbs are optional but highly recommended. They add a burst of color and freshness to your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook well. While it heats, grab 4 chicken thighs. Make sure they have bones and skin. Place them in a large baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. The skin helps keep the meat juicy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix until everything blends well. This mixture gives the chicken its sweet and spicy flavor. Brush the hot honey mixture over the chicken thighs. Make sure they are well coated. Save a bit of the mixture for later. Bake the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes. After this time, take it out and baste the chicken with the reserved mixture. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). For crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. If it reads 165°F (74°C), it is safe to eat. Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to settle. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a nice touch. To get super crispy skin on your chicken, start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels first. This step helps remove extra moisture. Moisture leads to soggy skin. Next, use high heat while baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for best results. Right before finishing, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken. You want it crispy, not burnt! Basting adds flavor and moisture to your chicken. After 25 minutes of baking, take the chicken out and baste with the hot honey mixture you saved. Use a brush to coat the chicken well. This step helps lock in flavors. Repeat this every 10 minutes during baking. It keeps the chicken juicy and adds a glossy finish. Trust me, this small effort makes a big difference! Using the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I recommend: - A large baking dish or lined baking sheet - A whisk for mixing the hot honey sauce - A brush for basting - A meat thermometer to check doneness These tools help you cook the chicken perfectly and save time. Happy cooking! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an enhanced flavor experience, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the hot honey mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Substitute garlic powder with minced garlic and fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant flavor. Monitor the Broiling Stage: When broiling, keep a close watch on the chicken. Broiling can quickly turn from perfectly crispy to burnt, so stay nearby and adjust the time as needed. Perfect Searing: For even more flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side before baking. This will add a delicious crust and depth of flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the heat in the hot honey baked chicken. If you like it mild, use less hot sauce. Start with one tablespoon and taste. For more heat, add more hot sauce. You can also try different sauces. A spicy barbecue sauce can add a nice twist. While this recipe uses chicken thighs, you can use other cuts. Chicken breasts work too, but they may dry out faster. If you prefer drumsticks, they will also taste great. Just watch the cooking time. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. You can make this dish even better with veggies. Cut carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers into small pieces. Toss them in the hot honey mix and place them around the chicken. They will soak up the flavor and cook nicely. You can also serve this chicken with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Store leftover hot honey baked chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it is cool first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. Use it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray. Cover it with foil to keep moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the skin won't be crispy. If you want crispy skin, broil it for a few minutes after heating. To freeze hot honey baked chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. Frozen chicken can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To check if your hot honey baked chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also check the juices. They should run clear, not pink. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. If it looks good, it is likely ready to eat! Yes, you can use boneless chicken in this recipe. Boneless chicken cooks faster, so keep an eye on the time. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be sure. You have many tasty options to serve with hot honey baked chicken. Here are some ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a filling side - Roasted vegetables for a healthy crunch - Mashed potatoes for comfort food - A fresh salad for a light touch These sides will balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken. Making hot honey at home is easy and fun! Here’s how: 1. Combine 1/4 cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce in a bowl. 2. Mix well until combined. 3. Adjust the heat to your taste! You can also add chili flakes for more spice or heat. Enjoy your homemade hot honey on chicken, pizza, or even drizzled on cheese! Hot honey baked chicken is a great dish, and it’s easy to make. We covered the ingredients, measurements, and quality tips to find the best options. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and bake the chicken perfectly. You learned tips for crispy skin and basting techniques. Variations allow you to adjust spice levels and add your favorite sides. Store any leftovers properly for later meals. Follow these tips, and you’ll create a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Deliciously baked chicken thighs coated in a spicy honey glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
to taste fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
Brush the hot honey mixture generously over the top of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
Reserve a small portion of the mixture for basting later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and baste with the reserved hot honey mixture.
Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes.

Keyword baked, chicken, honey, spicy