Oh, the sheer thrill of biting into something as sweet and fiery as these Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Thighs is like watching your favorite team clinch a last-minute victory! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken thighs dripping with a buttery glaze that’s both sticky and spicy—it’s a flavor rollercoaster you never want to end. I remember making these for a summer cookout, and even the most skeptical guests were left licking their fingers, asking for the recipe before the night was over.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove moisture. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Mix in honey, sriracha, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet on medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 7-10 minutes until crispy. Turn the chicken and sear the other side for another 7-10 minutes.
- Pour the hot honey sauce over the seared chicken thighs and place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Spoon some sauce from the skillet over the chicken, then broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the exterior. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 2.5 pounds) with skin on
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
Nutritional Values
Nutritional Values for Entire Recipe | Calories: 1160 kcal | Carbohydrates: 84.4 g | Protein: 64.4 g | Fat: 64 g | Saturated Fat: 20 g | Cholesterol: 260 mg | Sodium: 2752 mg | Potassium: 756 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 71.6 g | Calcium: 72 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- What is hot honey sauce and how can it be used?
- Hot honey sauce is a sweet and spicy condiment made by infusing honey with ingredients like hot sauce, chiles, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. It adds a bold flavor to meats, vegetables, sandwiches, and more.
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- How do I achieve crispy chicken skin?
- To get crispy chicken skin, ensure the chicken is dry before cooking by patting it with paper towels. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet without moving it for 7-10 minutes per side, and finish by broiling for an extra crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Can I prepare the hot honey sauce in advance?
- Absolutely! The hot honey butter sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it when ready to use.
- How should I store leftover hot honey chicken thighs?
- Leftover chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Ensure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning them. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy skin.
- When cooking the chicken, allow it to sear undisturbed for 7-10 minutes on each side. This helps the skin crisp up nicely, and flipping the chicken only once is ideal.
- Don’t skip the broiling step after applying the hot honey sauce. Broiling for 2-3 minutes helps to caramelize the sauce and restore the skin’s crispiness.
- If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can use them instead, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet (e.g., 10.25 inch Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet)
- Tongs