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Baked Hot Honey Chicken

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.

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: baked hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, honey chili chicken, baked chicken thighs, sweet and spicy chicken