Irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Bliss

There’s something about the sweet and spicy combination of hot honey chicken that makes my taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: succulent chicken, kissed by a tantalizing glaze that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, pulling everyone in like a moth to a flame. It’s that special dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary, making you feel like a culinary genius.

I remember the first time I made hot honey chicken for friends. Their eyes lit up with delight after the first bite, and suddenly, I was the star of our dinner party. This dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual gathering or an impressive feast. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

I once prepared this dish during a family reunion potluck, and let’s just say those who left hungry were few and far between.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts based on your crowd size; adjust accordingly.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; they pack the most flavor.

• Honey: Choose pure honey for maximum sweetness; avoid processed versions.

• Hot Sauce: Your favorite brand will do; just ensure it has a good kick.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Cornstarch: This will give your chicken that delightful crispy texture when cooked.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances overall flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skimp on these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by washing your chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully later.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and hot sauce. Add the chicken and let it soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Coat the Chicken: After marinating, toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch until they are lightly coated. This step ensures that crispy exterior we all crave.

Heat Your Pan: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. You want it hot enough to get that sizzle going!

Sear the Chicken: Add your coated chicken breasts to the pan in batches if necessary. Sear them until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it.

Add Hot Honey Glaze: Once cooked, drizzle more honey and hot sauce over the top while still in the pan. Toss to coat every piece in sticky goodness before serving.

Now you’ve got yourself some incredibly flavorful hot honey chicken ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation and watch as your friends ask for this recipe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in hot honey for at least 30 minutes, then sear it until golden brown. After that, transfer it to the oven to finish cooking through while keeping it juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness. Adding chili flakes can boost the heat factor and personalize the flavor profile of your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its crispy texture.

The first time I made hot honey chicken, my friends went wild! They devoured it within minutes and begged for more—clearly, it was a hit!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and add a richer flavor to hot honey chicken.

How spicy is hot honey chicken?

The spice level depends on how much hot sauce you add; adjust according to your taste preference.

What side dishes pair well with hot honey chicken?

Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal experience.

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Hot Honey Chicken

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• Author: Katie Thompson
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe features succulent chicken coated in a crispy exterior, all drizzled with a hot honey glaze that elevates any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready to experience an explosion of flavors? Let’s dive into making this culinary masterpiece!

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and hot sauce. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Coat marinated chicken in cornstarch until lightly covered.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Sear chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drizzle additional honey and hot sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approx. 4 oz)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg