Description
Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious comfort food that beautifully balances the spicy heat of chili peppers with the natural sweetness of honey. This quick and easy recipe features crispy, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, sticky hot honey sauce that’s perfect for cozy nights, satisfying meals, or flavorful snacks. The recipe is versatile, customizable in heat level, and suitable for gluten-free diets, making it an ideal dish for a wide range of tastes and occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1-inch fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces if using breasts, or trim thighs. Measure out the honey, chili flakes or fresh chili, soy sauce, and lemon juice so everything is ready for use.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with garlic, ginger, chili flakes, soy sauce, and a little olive oil or butter. Let the mixture marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until the chicken is golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, about 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour honey and a splash of lemon or lime juice into the skillet. Stir continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken evenly with a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Hot Honey Chicken to a plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for added flavor. Garnish as desired and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Don’t rush the searing process: let the chicken get golden and crispy before turning for the best texture.
- Add honey gradually to control the sweetness precisely.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg