Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish combining the perfect balance of sweet honey glaze and a spicy kick baked onto tender, juicy chicken. This easy-to-make recipe delivers crispy skin and vibrant flavors, suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or versatile meal options like salads and sandwiches.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for juicier meat or boneless for convenience)
Glaze and Seasoning
- ¼ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick and the skin crisps well. Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful base.
- Mix the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey with your preferred hot sauce or chili flakes. Stir well until fully blended, adjusting the heat level according to your taste.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet or shallow baking dish. Spoon half of the hot honey glaze over the chicken evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the skin turns golden and crisp.
- Glaze and Broil: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the remaining hot honey glaze generously over each piece. Set the oven to broil and return the chicken for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and develop a sticky, slightly charred finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Serve warm with your favorite sides or garnishes.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better texture.
- Dry the skin well before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
- Adjust the heat by starting with less hot sauce and increasing after tasting.
- Do not skip the broil step to achieve the perfect caramelized glaze finish.
- Rest the chicken after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked chicken, hot honey chicken, spicy chicken, honey glaze, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken