Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy and savory. Juicy pieces of chicken are seasoned with flavorful spices and finished with a sticky hot honey glaze of honey, chili and garlic. The result is a dish that pairs wonderfully with fries, rice, a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

This recipe is easy to make in the oven, air fryer or on the barbecue and is ideal for both a weeknight meal and a summer barbecue.

What Is Hot Honey Chicken?

Hot Honey Chicken is a popular dish where chicken is finished with a sweet-spicy sauce based on honey and chili pepper. The combination of sweet and spicy creates a delicious flavor balance that goes well with grilled or roasted chicken.

Hot honey originates from the United States and is becoming increasingly popular on pizzas, chicken dishes, sandwiches and barbecue dishes. By making a hot honey glaze yourself you can easily adjust the spiciness to your taste. Want to know more? Click here

Which Chicken Should You Use For Hot Honey Chicken?

Chicken thigh fillets: Chicken thigh fillets are the best choice for this recipe. The meat stays juicy during cooking and naturally has more flavor than chicken breast.

Chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean alternative. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid drying it out.

Chicken wings: Chicken wings are also excellent for a hot honey glaze. Perfect as a snack or for a barbecue.

Which Spices Go With Hot Honey Chicken?

The basis of a good Hot Honey Chicken starts with a flavorful spice mix. These spices pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of the glaze:

• Paprika powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili flakes
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper

You can also choose a BBQ rub or chicken seasoning mix such as  Rosemary's Chicken Rub as a flavorful base.

Recipe Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients (4 people)

For the chicken

• 600 grams chicken thigh fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the hot honey glaze

• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon butter

Method

Step 1: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix the olive oil with paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Rub the chicken all over with the spice mixture.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thigh fillets about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Using a meat thermometer? The chicken is done at an internal temperature of 75°C.

Step 3: Make the hot honey glaze

Put the honey, chili flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic, apple cider vinegar and butter in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture gently for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring.

Do not let the sauce boil; the flavors just need to come together.

Step 4: Glaze the chicken

Add the cooked chicken to the pan with the glaze or brush the chicken generously with the sauce. Let everything caramelize for another 1 to 2 minutes so the glaze adheres nicely to the chicken.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with sweet potato fries, rice, a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Hot Honey Chicken From The Air Fryer

Want a quicker and slightly lighter version? Then the air fryer is ideal.

• Preheat the air fryer to 190°C.
• Place the seasoned chicken in the basket.
• Cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
• Flip halfway through.
• Brush the chicken with the hot honey glaze during the last 2 minutes.

Always check that the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 75°C.

Hot Honey Chicken From The Oven

You also get a delicious result in the oven.

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Place the seasoned chicken in an oven dish.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Brush the chicken with the glaze during the last 5 minutes.

This gives the chicken a nice glossy layer without the honey burning.

Hot Honey Chicken From The BBQ

Hot Honey Chicken is also perfect for the barbecue.

Grill the chicken first over indirect heat until it is almost done. Then brush with the hot honey glaze and grill for a few more minutes.

By adding the glaze only at the end you prevent the honey from burning too quickly.

What To Serve With Hot Honey Chicken?

• Sweet potato fries: the sweet flavor of the fries pairs perfectly with the honey glaze.
• Coleslaw: a fresh cabbage salad provides a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Grilled corn on the cob: a classic for barbecue dishes.
• Rice: perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Fresh green salad: a light and healthy combination for warm days.

Tips For The Best Hot Honey Chicken

• Add the glaze only at the end: honey contains natural sugars that burn quickly. By adding the glaze only at the end the flavor remains optimal.
• Let the chicken rest: give the chicken 5 minutes of resting time after cooking so the juices can redistribute.
• Adjust the spiciness: use more or less chili flakes and cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
• Use quality spices: fresh herbs and spices provide more aroma and a deeper flavor.

Make Hot Honey Yourself

No store-bought hot honey at home? Then you can easily make it yourself.

Mix:

• 125 ml honey
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Warm briefly in a small pan and then let cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Hot Honey Chicken?

Hot Honey Chicken is chicken that is finished with a sweet-spicy sauce based on honey and chili pepper.

2. Is Hot Honey Chicken spicy?

You decide. By adding more or less chili you can easily adjust the spiciness.

3. Can I make Hot Honey Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, this recipe works excellently in the air fryer. Add the glaze during the last minutes of cooking.

4. Which honey do you use for Hot Honey Chicken?

Flower honey or acacia honey are popular choices because of their mild flavor.

5. How long does Hot Honey Chicken keep?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.