As the sun set, my kitchen lit up with a warm glow. I was craving something special. A dish that would take me to a world of bold flavors, where sweet and spicy meet. Hot honey chicken recipe is a game-changer. It mixes honey’s sweetness with a spicy kick. It’s not just tasty; it’s also easy to make and perfect for any event.
Key Takeaways
- Combines sweet and spicy flavors for a delicious dish
- Can be prepared in under 30 minutes for any occasion
- Features a simple 5-ingredient homemade hot honey sauce
- Offers flexibility in cooking methods (grilling, slow cooking, broiling)
- Yields tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts
Why Hot Honey Chicken Is Your New Favorite Dish
Get ready to love the sweet and spicy mix in this hot honey chicken recipe. It’s a lighter version of the popular hot honey chicken sandwich, without deep frying. The savory spice rub and tangy honey glaze make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
This honey mustard chicken dish is packed with flavor. It has 375 calories, 33g of carbs, and 42g of protein. It’s also low in fat and high in potassium and fiber, making it a guilt-free treat.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 375 |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Potassium | 725mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Vitamin A | 274IU |
| Iron | 2mg |
The recipe uses 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders. You can find these at your local grocery store. The sticky honey glaze is made with apple cider vinegar and hot honey, giving it a unique taste.
This honey mustard chicken is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s easy to make and has amazing flavors, making it a great addition to your cooking collection.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken
To make the ultimate hot honey chicken, you need a few key ingredients. Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The thigh meat stays tender and juicy, making it perfect for this recipe.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. The thigh meat stays moist and flavorful, even when cooked to perfection. For best results, look for a 2-pound package that yields approximately 6-8 pieces of chicken.
Making the Perfect Hot Honey Sauce
The secret to the spicy honey sauce is a simple blend. You’ll need honey, brown sugar, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. This mix creates a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze that will transform your chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece.
Required Seasonings and Spices
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Chipotle chili powder
These essential seasonings and spices will infuse your crispy chicken with a delightful depth of flavor. They complement the sweet and spicy honey sauce perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless | 2 lbs (about 6-8 pieces) |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| White vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Chipotle chili powder | 1/4 tsp |
With these essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating the perfect hot honey chicken. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to make your easy chicken dinner even better with this tasty one pan meal – the hot honey chicken recipe! Follow these easy steps to make a dish that your family will love.
- Start by making the spice rub. Mix your favorite seasonings and spices in a small bowl. Use paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken with a little oil. Then, rub the spice mix all over the meat. Make sure it’s spread evenly.
- Choose how you want to cook the chicken. You can grill, slow cook, or use the broiler. Cook it until it’s 165°F inside.
- While the chicken cooks, make the sweet and spicy honey glaze. Warm the honey in a saucepan. Add a bit of vinegar or hot sauce to get that hot honey taste.
- In the last few minutes, brush the honey glaze over the chicken. For a caramelized look, broil it for a couple of minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious hot honey chicken dish ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and tasty one pan meal that will wow everyone.
Preparing the Signature Spice Rub
Take your crispy chicken and chicken thighs recipe to the next level with a tasty spice rub. It pairs perfectly with the spicy honey sauce. This mix of savory spices will turn your dish into a masterpiece.
Mixing the Perfect Spice Blend
In a small bowl, mix together these ingredients:
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
Blend the spices well. This will make a flavorful rub that adds depth to your crispy chicken.
How to Apply the Rub
Before seasoning, pat the chicken thighs recipe dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick better. Then, drizzle a bit of oil over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
Next, sprinkle the spice blend all over the chicken. Use your fingers to rub it into every corner. This will give you a savory crust that goes great with the spicy honey sauce.
“The secret to the best crispy chicken is in the spice rub. This blend of garlic, chili, and warm spices lays the foundation for a truly addictive dish.”
Creating the Sweet and Spicy Honey Glaze
The secret to the sticky honey glaze that makes this honey mustard chicken irresistible is easy. Just mix a few ingredients to create a sweet and spicy sauce. It will make your taste buds sing.
To make the spicy honey sauce, warm 1/2 cup of honey in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes it easier to pour. Then, whisk in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar until it’s smooth.
Add a kick of heat by mixing in 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce. The mix of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and spicy heat is amazing. It will make you want more with every bite.
Save some honey glaze to serve on the side. Use the rest to baste your honey mustard chicken while it cooks. The honey’s sugars will caramelize, making a beautiful, sticky honey glaze that sticks to the chicken.
“The sticky honey glaze is the true star of this dish, taking the flavor to new heights.”
With a few simple steps, you can make a spicy honey sauce that takes your honey mustard chicken to new heights. Get ready for a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Cooking Methods and Techniques
Choosing the right cooking method is key to a great hot honey chicken recipe. Whether you grill, slow cook, or broil, each method brings its own benefits. They help you get tender chicken and a sweet, sticky glaze.
Grilling Method
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to your hot honey chicken. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, until it’s 165°F (75°C) inside. For the best taste, aim for 170-175°F (77-79°C).
Slow Cooker Option
The slow cooker makes for a easy chicken dinner. Just put the chicken in the slow cooker with the hot honey glaze. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken will be tender and cooked perfectly.
Broiler Instructions
The broiler is perfect for a quick one pan meal. Preheat your broiler to high. Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The chicken will be nicely browned and caramelized.
No matter the method, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful hot honey chicken. The sticky glaze will make your taste buds happy. Try different techniques to find your favorite.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Sticky Glaze
Take your crispy chicken to the next level with the perfect sticky honey glaze. To get that shiny, caramelized look, follow these tips.
Timing is everything when basting. Brush the spicy honey sauce on the chicken just before it’s done. This lets it stick and caramelize. For an extra sticky layer, broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking.
Use a silicone basting brush for better results. It’s heat-resistant and won’t drip or burn the glaze. When grilling, apply the glaze at the end to avoid burnt sugars.
For slow-cooked crispy chicken, add more sticky honey glaze and broil for a few minutes before serving. This will give you a shiny, caramelized exterior that everyone will love.
“The secret to perfect sticky honey chicken is all in the basting technique and timing.”
With these tips, you’ll make a sticky honey glaze that will wow your guests. Your crispy chicken will be a true showstopper.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This hot honey chicken recipe is versatile and can be served in many ways. Pair it with side dishes for a complete meal. Try it with a dill pickle slaw or classic coleslaw for a tangy contrast. Roasted veggies or a fresh salad add delightful flavors and textures.
Side Dish Recommendations
For a better hot honey chicken experience, try it with dill pickle slaw or coleslaw. These sides add crunch and tanginess that complements the chicken’s glaze. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots also pair well, offering a nutritious and tasty option.
Sandwich Assembly Tips
Make a tasty sandwich with the hot honey chicken. Place it on soft buns with pickles and coleslaw. This mix of juicy chicken, sticky glaze, and crunchy textures is perfect for any time. For a low-carb choice, serve it on a bed of greens or with grilled veggies.