Get ready to turn up the heat and satisfy your taste buds with this Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe! This bold and flavorful dish is the ultimate mouthwatering adventure that will have your friends and family begging for more. Prepare to unleash a flavor explosion in your kitchen as we transform ordinary chicken into a sensational, drool-worthy masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is an absolute game-changer that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. The delicious combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors creates an irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a sticky, aromatic sauce that packs a powerful punch, making this meal an epic culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. Prepare to be the talk of the town with this sensational, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on the ultimate flavor-boosting ingredients! This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which deliver maximum juiciness and tenderness. The magical sauce is made with a mouth-watering blend of honey, garlic, and spicy chili sauce, creating a flavor explosion that will have you craving more. Rounding out the lineup are soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a few simple seasonings to elevate this dish to legendary status.
- 2 lbs (900g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Honey
- 6 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Chili sauce (such as sriracha or gochujang)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) – Rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used instead of boneless (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- Chili Sauce: If you don’t have chili sauce, try substituting with your favorite hot sauce or sriracha for a similar flavor profile.
How to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this epic Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs masterpiece.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the delectable sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This will create a delicious crust that will lock in all the juices.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the seared chicken thighs and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting the thighs with the sauce every few minutes, until they’re cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a sticky, finger-licking glaze.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Garnish your Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Serve this epic dish immediately, with steamed rice or roasted veggies on the side, and get ready to wow your guests with this flavor-packed masterpiece!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Coating: Coat the chicken in cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs before searing for an extra crispy texture.
- Bone-In Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a more dramatic presentation and deeper, richer flavor.
- Sweet Twist: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter touch.
- Spice it Up: Increase the heat by using a hotter chili sauce or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated in the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, then seared and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is not only an explosion of flavor, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving (1 chicken thigh) contains approximately 280 calories, 16 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s sure to keep you satisfied and fueled throughout the day.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chili sauce is best for this recipe?
Any type of chili sauce or hot sauce will work great, such as sriracha, gochujang, or even a homemade chili garlic sauce. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust the amount to your desired level of spice.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will also work well in this recipe, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
If you’re feeding little ones, you can reduce the amount of chili sauce in the recipe or omit it entirely. You can also serve the chicken thighs with a side of plain rice or steamed vegetables to balance out the spice.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Definitely! To bake the Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the seasoned chicken thighs in a skillet as directed, then transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, then simply sear and bake the thighs when ready to serve. The cooked chicken can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for quick and easy weeknight dinners.
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Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them a delicious dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. 2. In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. 4. Coat the chicken thighs with the honey garlic mixture.
5. 5. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. 7. Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking.
8. 8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. 9. Serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
For extra heat, add more chili flakes.
Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, honey, garlic, spicy