The kitchen table serves as the heart of my home. It is where my three children share their daily adventures, where we solve math problems, and where we truly connect over a warm meal. To me, food is more than just fuel; food is love.

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a home-cooked dinner that hits every taste bud. Last Tuesday, I found myself craving something that offered both comfort and a little bit of excitement. I pulled out my favorite skillet and decided to whip up a batch of hot honey glazed chicken.

The sweet aroma of simmering honey and the punchy scent of chili flakes filled the air instantly. My oldest son peeked over my shoulder and asked, “Mom, is that the hot honey glazed chicken again?” His eyes lit up when I nodded. This dish has quickly become a family legend because it balances that addictive sweetness with a gentle, warming heat.

It transforms simple poultry into a culinary masterpiece that feels fancy but remains incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you have had a long day at work or you just want to treat your family to something special, this hot honey glazed chicken recipe delivers pure joy on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

You will absolutely adore this hot honey glazed chicken for so many reasons. First, the flavor profile is incredible. You get the floral sweetness of the honey followed by a zesty kick of heat that lingers just long enough.

It creates a beautiful glaze that clings to the meat, ensuring every single bite is succulent. Second, this recipe is remarkably fast. As a busy mom, I value my time, and this hot honey glazed chicken comes together in under thirty minutes.

You do not need a long list of complicated ingredients or professional chef skills to master this dish. Third, it is a versatile powerhouse. You can serve this hot honey glazed chicken over rice, tucked into a soft bun, or alongside a fresh green salad.

Furthermore, you can easily control the spice level. If your little ones are sensitive to heat, simply dial back the chili flakes. If you love a bold punch, feel free to add an extra splash of hot sauce.

This hot honey glazed chicken adapts to your family’s preferences perfectly every single time. Finally, the cleanup is minimal. Using just one or two pans means you spend less time at the sink and more time with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect hot honey glazed chicken, you need fresh ingredients that bring big flavors. I always recommend using high-quality honey for the best results. Below is everything you need to gather before you start cooking.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this hot honey glazed chicken a success. The vinegar cuts through the sugar, while the paprika adds a beautiful golden hue to the finished hot honey glazed chicken.

hot honey glazed chicken

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A succulent hot honey glazed chicken that balances addictive floral sweetness with a gentle, warming heat. This quick 30-minute meal transforms simple poultry into a culinary masterpiece using a one-pan skillet method.

• Author: Salma Tahiri
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breasts
1/3 cup Honey
2 tablespoons Hot Sauce
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
To taste Salt and Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
2. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate
3. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and integrated
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Lower the heat to medium. Pour the honey mixture into the same skillet you used for the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pa
5. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken and any juices back into the skillet. Spoon the bubbling sauce over the meat repeatedly. Let the hot honey glazed chicken simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze
6. Final Touch: Once the sauce coats the meat perfectly, turn off the heat. Your hot honey glazed chicken is now ready to serve!

Notes

Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Let the meat rest for five minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Adjust the red pepper flakes or hot sauce to control the level of spiciness.

Serve over rice, quinoa, or with a fresh cucumber salad to balance the heat.

Substitutions & Variations

I believe recipes should be flexible. If you do not have every ingredient for hot honey glazed chicken on hand, do not worry. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts quite easily.

Thighs stay juicier, but breasts offer a leaner option for your hot honey glazed chicken. If you are out of apple cider vinegar, use white wine vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The acidity is what matters most for the hot honey glazed chicken sauce.

For my vegan friends, you can actually use this same glaze on thick slices of firm tofu or cauliflower florets. The hot honey glazed chicken flavor profile works surprisingly well with plant-based proteins! If you want a more “sticky” hot honey glazed chicken, add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the honey mixture.

This helps the sauce caramelize even more deeply in the pan. You can also experiment with different spices, such as onion powder or a pinch of cayenne, to customize your hot honey glazed chicken experience.

While experimenting with these ingredient swaps, you might find that the signature glaze works wonders on garden-fresh sides too. To round out your meal with a nutritional punch, try pairing your protein with these crispy Hot honey brussels sprouts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your hot honey glazed chicken to life. Focus on the heat of your pan to ensure the best texture.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This creates the flavor foundation for your hot honey glazed chicken.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and integrated. This is the “hot honey” part of our hot honey glazed chicken.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Lower the heat to medium. Pour the honey mixture into the same skillet you used for the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to your hot honey glazed chicken.
5. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken and any juices back into the skillet. Spoon the bubbling sauce over the meat repeatedly. Let the hot honey glazed chicken simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
6. Final Touch: Once the sauce coats the meat perfectly, turn off the heat. Your hot honey glazed chicken is now ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Success

To achieve restaurant-quality hot honey glazed chicken at home, remember a few key tips. First, do not crowd your pan. If you put too many pieces in at once, the chicken will steam rather than sear.

Work in batches if necessary to get that beautiful crust on your hot honey glazed chicken. Second, use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature of your hot honey glazed chicken to reach 165°F.

Overcooking leads to dry meat, which no one enjoys. Third, let the meat rest for five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your hot honey glazed chicken incredibly moist.

Finally, always taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. If it feels too spicy, add a teaspoon more honey. If it feels too sweet, add a drop more vinegar. This ensures your hot honey glazed chicken suits your palate perfectly.

Monitoring the internal temperature ensures the meat stays juicy, but don’t forget that the oven can do most of the work for your side dishes. For a hands-off accompaniment that uses the same flavor profile, consider preparing some Hot honey roasted vegetables

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftover hot honey glazed chicken, you are in luck. It makes a fantastic lunch the next day. Place the hot honey glazed chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over low heat. Add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to the pan. This helps loosen the glaze and prevents the hot honey glazed chicken from drying out.

Cover the pan with a lid for two minutes to trap the steam. Alternatively, you can reheat the hot honey glazed chicken in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Just be careful not to overcook it, as the honey can burn quickly.

I do not recommend freezing the hot honey glazed chicken once it is glazed, as the texture of the sauce may change. However, you can freeze the seasoned, cooked chicken and make a fresh batch of glaze whenever you are ready to eat!

What to Serve With This Recipe

The bold flavors of hot honey glazed chicken pair beautifully with simple sides. I love serving mine over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all that extra glaze. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully with hot honey glazed chicken.

If you want something green, try roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans with garlic. The crunch of fresh vegetables provides a great contrast to the sticky hot honey glazed chicken. My kids especially love it when I serve hot honey glazed chicken with a side of homemade cornbread or creamy mashed potatoes.

The sweetness of the cornbread complements the honey perfectly. For a summer vibe, a cool cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw cuts through the heat of the hot honey glazed chicken and refreshes the palate. No matter what you choose, this hot honey glazed chicken will be the star of the show.

These side dishes provide the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of the sticky glaze left on the plate. If you find yourself wanting an even richer finishing touch for your bread or grains, you will love the creamy texture of Hot honey butter

FAQs

Can I make hot honey glazed chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! You can definitely prepare hot honey glazed chicken in an air fryer. Season the chicken and air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. Toss the cooked chicken in the prepared glaze during the last two minutes of cooking to let it set.

Is this recipe too spicy for children?

You can easily control the heat in this hot honey glazed chicken. Use a mild hot sauce and omit the red pepper flakes if your children prefer a milder flavor. The honey provides a lot of sweetness that balances out the spice naturally.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken for hot honey glazed chicken, but you must thaw it completely first. Use the refrigerator to thaw it overnight. Always pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure the hot honey glazed chicken gets a good sear.

What type of honey is best?

Any liquid honey works for hot honey glazed chicken. However, clover honey or wildflower honey offers a neutral sweetness that lets the hot sauce shine. Avoid using creamed honey, as it does not melt as smoothly into a glaze.

The popularity of hot honey glazed chicken stems from the unique chemical reaction where heat from peppers is tempered by natural sugars. Using high-quality honey allows the glaze to reach a perfect consistency that adheres to the meat while providing a rich, floral undertone.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is an estimate based on using chicken thighs and standard ingredients for hot honey glazed chicken. Your results may vary depending on the specific brands you use.

Enjoy your meal! This hot honey glazed chicken is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when combined with love, create the most memorable experiences.