Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted spicy honey glazed chicken? It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! The combination of sweet honey and zesty sriracha creates this perfect balance of heat and sweetness that’ll leave you craving more. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or even impressing guests at dinner parties. You just can’t go wrong with juicy chicken thighs smothered in that sticky glaze! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It appeals to everyone, from spice lovers to those who prefer a milder kick. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness)
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for your preferred spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps the glaze adhere and adds a hint of richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (to enhance all the flavors)
How to Prepare Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly throughout, giving you that perfectly juicy texture we all love. While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready, so it’s a smooth sailing process!
Mix the Honey Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that delicious honey glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and olive oil. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. The honey brings sweetness, while the soy sauce adds that savory umami punch, and the sriracha gives it that kick! Taste the glaze and adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier or milder—this is your moment to customize! Trust me, getting this balance just right is what makes the chicken sing!
Prepare the Chicken
Next up, grab your chicken thighs and place them in a baking dish. It’s crucial to coat them evenly with the glaze, so pour that luscious mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered. This ensures that every bite will be bursting with flavor!
Baking the Chicken
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: halfway through baking, brush the chicken with some extra glaze to amp up the flavor even more—yum! But how do you know when it’s done? Check for doneness by making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If it’s golden and sizzling, you’re in business! Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in those juicy flavors. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To take your spicy honey glazed chicken to the next level, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, making every bite even more delicious! If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with a smaller amount of sriracha and taste the glaze before coating the chicken. You can always add more if you want that extra kick! And don’t forget to keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Trust me, a little patience and attention will reward you with the most mouthwatering dish!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re eating, right? Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind. The following values are estimated for one serving of spicy honey glazed chicken, which is one chicken thigh. Here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Enjoy this dish guilt-free, knowing it’s not just delicious but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Incredibly flavorful with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for various diets
- Versatile—delicious on its own or served with your favorite sides
- Impressive enough to serve at gatherings and dinner parties
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your spicy honey glazed chicken, I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice or creamy coconut rice to soak up that delicious glaze. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, add a pop of color and fresh crunch that balances the rich flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw together a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Trust me, these sides will complement your chicken perfectly, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal!
FAQ About Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
Got questions about this delicious dish? No problem! Here are some common queries that might help you out:
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so just keep an eye on them in the oven. They’ll still absorb all that fabulous glaze!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to keep that glaze nice and sticky!
Can I substitute the honey? Sure! If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can try using maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit, but it can still be delicious!
What if I don’t have sriracha? No worries! You can use any hot sauce you have on hand, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust to your spice preference!
Can I make this in advance? Definitely! You can marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours or even overnight for a deeper flavor. Just make sure to bake it right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or Quick Chicken Stir Fry. You can also learn about the health benefits of honey on Healthline.
Print
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken: 5 Steps to Delicious Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring chicken coated in a spicy honey glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.
- Pour the honey glaze over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Brush with extra glaze halfway through cooking for more flavor.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: spicy honey glazed chicken
