Baked Hot Honey Chicken

The golden, sticky glaze on the chicken creates the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, wrapping each bite in a deliciously bold flavor. As the chicken bakes, the hot honey caramelizes slightly, deepening its sweetness while the heat builds subtly, creating a delightful kick without overwhelming your taste buds. This dish is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. The tender chicken is juicy and flavorful, and that hot honey drizzle is what takes it from good to absolutely crave-worthy. The best part? It’s easy enough to throw together on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how the heat from the honey complemented the savory chicken. It’s that perfect combo of flavors you didn’t know you needed until you try it. The best part about making it at home is that you can tweak the heat level to suit your own preferences, adding a bit more chili flakes or toning it down with extra honey. Every time I make it, I find myself making little adjustments to get that perfect balance—just the way I like it. And let’s not forget that irresistible glaze that coats everything. Trust me, you’ll be wanting to drizzle it over your sides too, like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, because once you taste it, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

Key Ingredients in Baked Hot Honey Chicken

To bring this recipe to life, we need just a few key ingredients that combine to create that mouthwatering flavor you’ll be craving. Each one plays a special role in making this dish shine, from the juicy, flavorful chicken to the bold, sweet, and spicy glaze. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish. Chicken thighs are rich, tender, and juicy, making them the perfect choice for this recipe. They hold up beautifully to the hot honey glaze and stay moist as they bake.
• Olive Oil: This helps to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring a beautiful golden crust as the chicken bakes. It also adds a mild, fruity flavor that complements the spices.
• Salt: A crucial element for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Salt helps balance the sweetness and heat in the glaze.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat and a bit of depth to the seasoning mix. The warmth of the pepper contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic is always a winner in savory dishes, and the powder version makes it easy to incorporate into the seasoning blend. It adds that irresistible, aromatic depth that brings the chicken to life.
• Onion Powder: Adds another layer of savory goodness, giving the chicken a little extra warmth and earthiness that enhances the flavor profile without overpowering it.
• Paprika: A smoky, slightly sweet spice that gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor and helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color. It also brings a touch of warmth without being too spicy.
• Cayenne Pepper: This is the secret to giving the dish that perfect balance of heat. A small amount adds a spicy punch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the hot honey.
• Hot Honey: The star of the glaze! This sweet, spicy syrup adds the perfect combination of heat and sweetness that’s utterly addictive. It’s what takes the dish from good to great and adds that signature “wow” factor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the hot honey glaze to become beautifully silky and smooth. It also enhances the savory flavors of the chicken, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The tangy acidity from the vinegar helps cut through the sweetness of the honey, balancing the overall flavor and giving the glaze a little brightness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the glaze, balancing out the sweetness and giving the chicken an extra savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: A little tangy sharpness from Dijon mustard adds a zesty note to the glaze and rounds out the flavor with a slight bite that plays perfectly with the sweetness and spice.

These ingredients, when combined, create a mouthwatering, crave-worthy dish that’s easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

• 🍯 Hot Honey Chicken Tacos: Take your taco game to the next level by shredding the hot honey chicken and filling soft tortillas with a generous helping. Top them with fresh avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a deliciously satisfying meal with a sweet and spicy twist. These tacos are guaranteed to be a hit at your next Taco Tuesday!
• 🍗 Hot Honey Chicken Salad: Transform your baked hot honey chicken into a vibrant and flavorful salad. Slice the chicken and lay it atop a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Drizzle the remaining hot honey sauce over the salad for a mouthwatering dressing that brings everything together. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• 🍽️ Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: Build hearty and wholesome grain bowls with the star ingredient being the baked hot honey chicken. Layer cooked quinoa or brown rice with roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers. Top it all off with sliced hot honey chicken, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds, and a generous drizzle of the remaining hot honey glaze. These bowls are not only visually stunning but also a delicious way to enjoy a well-balanced and flavorful meal.

Get creative with your serving ideas and let the versatility of this hot honey chicken dish shine on your table!

How to Store Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Once you’ve devoured your delicious hot honey chicken meal (and most likely licked your plate clean), you might find yourself with some leftovers. But fear not, because this dish stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy those amazing flavors all over again.

The best way to store your leftover baked hot honey chicken is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken has cooled down before transferring it to the container to maintain its freshness. When properly stored, it can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep your hot honey chicken for longer, you can also freeze it. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The hot honey chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven to restore that crispy texture.

For a quick reheat option, you can also warm the chicken in the microwave, but be aware that the skin may not retain its crispiness. Drizzle a little extra hot honey sauce over the reheated chicken to revive the flavors and moisture.

Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your hot honey chicken, remember to store any additional hot honey sauce separately to avoid making the chicken soggy when reheating. Just give the sauce a quick heat in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling it over your reheated chicken for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

With these storage tips, you can enjoy your baked hot honey chicken whenever the cravings strike, whether it’s a quick lunch on a busy day or a cozy dinner at the end of a long week.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’re now equipped with all the ingredients, steps, and tips to create your very own delicious Baked Hot Honey Chicken at home! This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

From prepping the chicken with a flavorful seasoning mix to creating a luscious hot honey glaze, every step is designed to ensure a mouthwatering and satisfying dish that will be a hit at any meal.

Whether you serve it with your favorite sides, use it in tacos, on salads, or in hearty grain bowls, this hot honey chicken is versatile and sure to please.

So, go ahead and print this recipe if you want to save it for later use or share it with friends and family. If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, feedback, or even share your own twist on the recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite of this Baked Hot Honey Chicken!

Print Recipe

Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Crispy, golden chicken glazed with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet hot honey sauce. Every bite is a mouthwatering mix of smoky heat and rich sweetness, with a satisfying crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one piece.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ¹⁄₂ cup hot honey

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for the chicken.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Rub olive oil over each chicken thigh to ensure they are coated evenly.
4. Sprinkle salt over all the chicken thighs, making sure each one gets a nice, even layer.
5. Next, season the chicken thighs with black pepper, ensuring it’s distributed across each piece.
6. Sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken thighs, followed by the onion powder for a nice aromatic base.
7. Add paprika to the chicken thighs for a subtle smoky flavor.
8. Carefully sprinkle cayenne pepper over the chicken to give it a bit of heat, adjusting the amount to your desired spice level.
9. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not overcrowded.
10. Put the baking sheet with the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
11. While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
12. Once the butter is melted, add the hot honey to the saucepan and stir to combine with the butter.
13. Add apple cider vinegar to the saucepan, stirring to balance the sweetness of the honey with the acidity.
14. Next, pour in the soy sauce and Dijon mustard, mixing everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
15. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
16. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
17. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
18. Serve the baked hot honey chicken with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Note

• Patting the chicken thighs dry before seasoning helps achieve crispier skin.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level for a milder or hotter dish.
• For a richer sauce, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to taste.
• If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar by a teaspoon.
• To prevent burning, keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of baking for a golden, crispy finish.

Keywords: baked hot honey chicken recipe, hot honey glazed chicken, spicy baked chicken recipe, honey chicken dinner, easy baked chicken with honey sauce