Crispy Glazed Hot Honey Chicken
Pan-seared crispy chicken thighs glazed in a spicy sweet honey sauce.
Sweet, spicy, and incredibly crispy! Tender chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a sticky, glossy glaze made of honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Whisk
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Pat Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Always pat proteins (like chicken, fish, or tofu) completely dry with paper towels before placing them in the hot pan.
Ingredients
2
servings
-
4 medium chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
-
3 tbsp honey
-
2 tbsp hot sauce
-
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and crispy.
Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Glaze and Garnish
Reduce the heat to low. Pour the honey mixture directly into the skillet over the chicken. Let it simmer and bubble for 2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until it reduces into a sticky, glossy coating. Garnish with red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.