Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Hot Honey Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with juicy, tender chicken thighs baked to crispy, golden perfection and coated in a vibrant honey and chili glaze. This simple, wholesome recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering layers of irresistible flavor and a glossy caramelized finish.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4-6 pieces)
Glaze
- Honey (1/4 cup)
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (1-2 tbsp, adjust to taste)
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, fresh)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin during baking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, your chosen hot sauce or red pepper flakes, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Brush half of the glaze over the chicken. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Glaze and Broil: After baking, generously brush the remaining glaze over each piece of chicken. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky and glossy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful before serving.
Notes
- Pat your chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin and better glaze adhesion.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
- Adjust heat by adding chili flakes gradually to balance spice and sweetness.
- Allow chicken to rest after baking to lock in juiciness.
- Broil at the end for a beautifully caramelized glaze and added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: baked hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, honey chili chicken, baked chicken thighs, sweet and spicy chicken