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Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs

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Sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, these hot honey glazed chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The caramelized hot honey glaze creates a crave-worthy balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade; see notes for DIY)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden and releases easily from the pan.
  3. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. (If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken to a plate after browning.)
  4. In a small saucepan, combine hot honey, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring often. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened. Whisk in butter for extra richness, if using.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in your oven-safe skillet or a baking dish. Brush or spoon half the hot honey glaze over the chicken. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Baste with more glaze halfway through baking.
  6. For extra sticky skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes after baking. Drizzle with remaining glaze and sprinkle with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For homemade hot honey, gently simmer 1/2 cup honey with 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes for 5 minutes, then strain. For gluten-free, double-check all labels. Boneless thighs can be used; reduce oven time by 5 minutes. Let chicken rest before serving for juicier meat. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken, glazed chicken thighs, sweet and spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, spicy honey chicken, oven baked chicken thighs

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/hot-honey-glazed-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-sweet-and-spicy-dinner/