Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Crispy Chicken with Sweet & Spicy Honey Glaze
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet heat and crispy goodness. Juicy chicken is seasoned, pan-fried or baked to golden perfection, then glazed with a sticky hot honey sauce made from chili flakes, garlic, and rich honey. It’s bold, addictive, and ready in under 40 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or spicy comfort food cravings. Serve it with cornbread, slaw, or roasted veggies for a meal that hits every flavor note.
Equipment
- Skillet, oven, grill, or air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Saucepan (for glaze)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or tenders)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: ½ cup buttermilk (for marinating)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., sriracha, Tabasco)
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 clove garlic (minced), ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Optional: marinate in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken:Skillet: Sear over medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes per side.Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.Grill: Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and optional add-ins over low heat until smooth.
- Glaze the chicken: Let chicken rest, then drizzle or brush with hot honey glaze just before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with herbs, lemon wedges, or pickles. Enjoy over rice, waffles, or salad.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest before glazing to preserve crispiness.
- Adjust heat level by varying hot sauce and chili flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
- Try flavor variations with maple syrup, chipotle, or gochujang.
- Make it gluten-free with almond flour or cornstarch coating.