Crispy Glazed Hot Honey Chicken
Pan-seared crispy chicken thighs glazed in a spicy sweet honey sauce.
In a nutshell: This authentic southern american crispy glazed hot honey chicken comes together in just 25 mins using simple whole ingredients. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
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
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Chef's Pro-Tips
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: Dry the poultry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing surface moisture ensures crisp, golden browning rather than steaming.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let cooked chicken rest for 5-8 minutes covered loosely with foil. Slicing too soon causes natural juices to pool out onto the cutting board.
Ingredients
2
servings
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4 medium chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
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3 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp hot sauce
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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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.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
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View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
It has a gentle kick from the hot sauce balanced by honey. For more heat, add extra hot sauce to the glaze; for milder, use less.
Yes — but breasts cook faster and dry out more easily. Sear them 4-5 minutes per side and watch closely so they stay juicy.
The thighs need 5-6 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. The surest check is an instant-read thermometer reading 165°F.
The sticky glaze is great over rice, which soaks it up, or with roasted vegetables and a simple salad.
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