Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! These hot honey chicken thighs are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a crispy skin that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a game-changer.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of hot honey and crispy chicken thighs creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Baking the chicken thighs ensures they’re juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various spices and heat levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Brush for glazing
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Tip: Letting the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking promotes even cooking.
Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor. Tip: For extra crispiness, lightly coat the skin with olive oil before seasoning.
Bake to Perfection
Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is baking, whisk together the honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred level of heat.
Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is done, brush each thigh generously with the hot honey glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their hot honey chicken thighs, consider brining the chicken beforehand for extra juiciness. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar for a few hours can make a world of difference. Additionally, experimenting with different types of hot sauce can vary the flavor profile significantly. For a smokier taste, try using chipotle hot sauce. Lastly, if you’re short on time, broiling the chicken for the last few minutes can help achieve that desirable crispy skin faster.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the hot sauce for sriracha for a different kind of heat.
- Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the hot honey glaze for a tangy twist.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all your ingredients, especially the hot sauce, are certified gluten-free.
- Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary into the seasoning mix for an aromatic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
How can I make this recipe less spicy? Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or choose a milder hot sauce. You can also balance the heat with a bit more honey.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slightly before using to make it easier to brush onto the chicken.
Summary
This hot honey chicken thighs recipe is a delightful mix of sweet and spicy, with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s easy to make, customizable to your heat preference, and sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.