Sticky Sweet Heat Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken delivers an unbeatable crunch and a symphony of sweet and spicy flavors. This incredible recipe transforms ordinary chicken into perfectly crispy skewers in just 10 minutes of bake time, all finished with an irresistibly sticky and fiery hot honey sauce. Get ready for a dish that’s easy to make and impossible to forget!

Irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Journey

There’s a reason I couldn’t stop raving about my Chicken Spiedini – its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a true winner. After countless batches and endless enjoyment, a fiery thought sparked: what if we gave it a spicy twist? That’s how this phenomenal Hot Honey Chicken recipe was born!

My love affair with hot honey is well-documented; it’s a magical ingredient that elevates everything from ground beef taco bowls and chicken salad to sheet pan sausage and veggies. The combination of sweet honey and a kick of chili is simply addictive. Applying this golden, spicy nectar to crispy chicken skewers seemed like the natural next step, and the results exceeded all expectations. The best part? You have complete control over the heat level, allowing you to tailor this dish perfectly to your palate.

These Hot Honey Chicken Skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or even as an appetizer for entertaining. The preparation is straightforward, and the bake time is surprisingly short, meaning you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table faster than you think. The secret lies in a strategic marinade that keeps the chicken juicy, followed by a Panko-Parmesan breading that crisps up beautifully under the broiler. Finally, a generous slathering of the hot honey glaze seals the deal, creating a truly unforgettable chicken experience that balances crunch, tenderness, and an explosive flavor profile.

Key Ingredients for the Best Hot Honey Chicken

Crafting the perfect Hot Honey Chicken starts with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after crispy texture and balanced sweet-spicy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken: For the most succulent and flavorful skewers, always opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Their higher fat content ensures they remain incredibly juicy during the quick high-heat cooking process. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in this application, so stick with thighs for optimal results.
• Olive Oil & Chicken Broth: These liquids form the base of our simple marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with moisture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and never dry. They also help the breading adhere perfectly.
• Minced Garlic & Spices (Paprika, Salt, Pepper): Aromatic minced garlic provides a foundational layer of savory flavor, while paprika not only adds a beautiful color to the chicken but also a mild, sweet peppery note that enhances the overall profile. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning.
• Panko & Parmesan Cheese: Panko breadcrumbs are non-negotiable for achieving that ultimate, airy crispiness. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Panko creates a lighter, crunchier coating. When combined with finely grated Parmesan cheese (make sure it’s the refrigerated kind for the best melt and flavor, not the shelf-stable variety!), it forms an incredibly savory crust. Don’t let any go to waste; use leftover Parmesan in recipes like Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
• Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for the hot honey sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the sodium level of your glaze, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced without being overly salty.
• Hot Honey: The star of the show! Hot honey brings that irresistible combination of sweet and spicy. Whether you use a convenient store-bought option or whip up your own homemade version, this ingredient is essential. It’s incredibly versatile; use any leftovers to elevate Hot Chicken Sliders or drizzle over pizza.
• Hot Sauce: To dial up the heat to your personal preference, a good quality hot sauce is key. Choose your favorite and adjust the amount to create your ideal level of spiciness. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with others.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken is a standalone star, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a truly satisfying experience. The key is to balance the sweet heat with complementary textures and flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

• Fluffy Rice: A bed of perfectly cooked white or brown rice is an ideal canvas for the rich hot honey butter sauce. It absorbs all the delicious flavors, providing a comforting and balanced base that mellows the spice.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Indulgent mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with crunchy chicken. Their creamy texture and mild flavor are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Sweet Cornbread: For a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, serve your chicken with a warm, fluffy slice of cornbread. Its subtle sweetness and soft crumb offer a pleasant counterpoint to the chicken’s crispiness and bold flavors.
• Roasted Broccoli: A simple side of vibrant roasted broccoli adds a touch of freshness and a healthy crunch. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, roasting perfectly in the oven alongside your chicken for a convenient, nutritious addition.
• Refreshing Garden Salad: To cut through the richness and heat, a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The fresh greens and bright dressing provide a refreshing balance that cleanses the palate and complements the spicy chicken.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw offers another fantastic contrast to the warm, spicy chicken. Its creaminess helps to tame the heat, while the crisp cabbage provides a refreshing bite.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For another indulgent side, crispy sweet potato fries offer a natural sweetness that complements the hot honey glaze beautifully. They’re a crowd-pleaser and add a touch of color to your plate.

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Hot Honey Chicken Skewers

By
Chelsea Lords

These Hot Honey Chicken skewers boast an incredible crunch and are glazed with a next-level sweet and spicy sauce that will become an instant favorite.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Marinating Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

55 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″) plus foil for easy cleanup
• Metal skewers or wooden skewers (remember to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning)

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces (see Note 1 for more details on chicken selection)

Marinade

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste (we recommend 1/2 tsp each for the marinade)

Breading

• 1-1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated, from the fridge section – see Note 2)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste (we recommend 1/2 tsp each for the breading)

Hot Honey Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons hot honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (start with 1 tablespoon if sensitive to heat, see Note 3)

Instructions

• Adjust your oven rack to the center position. Preheat the broiler to high heat. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then generously spray it with cooking spray. Trim any excess fat from your chicken thighs and cut them into uniform 1-½-inch pieces. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
• In a spacious bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chicken broth, minced garlic, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined. Add the cubed chicken to this marinade and toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
• In a separate large bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, along with another 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir all the breading ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
• Using tongs, lift the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Transfer the chicken directly into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently toss the chicken to coat each piece completely and evenly with the seasoned Panko-Parmesan breading.
• Carefully thread the coated chicken pieces onto your metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers. Arrange the skewers on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and crisping. Press any remaining breadcrumbs onto the chicken pieces. Generously spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Broil for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the coating is beautifully golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
• While the chicken is broiling, prepare the hot honey sauce. Melt the unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk in the hot honey, hot sauce (adjusting to your desired level of spice), and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
• Once the chicken skewers are cooked and perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Drizzle or brush the warm hot honey sauce generously over each skewer. Serve your delectable Hot Honey Chicken immediately and enjoy the incredible combination of crispy texture, juicy chicken, and irresistible sweet and spicy glaze!

Recipe Notes for Success

Note 1: Choosing Your Chicken. Chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe due to their superior flavor and ability to remain moist under high heat. Chicken breasts, being leaner, tend to dry out quickly and don’t achieve the same succulent texture. When purchasing, aim for approximately 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as trimming will reduce the weight to around 2 pounds for the recipe.

Note 2: Parmesan Cheese Quality Matters. For the best flavor and texture in your breading, use fresh, finely grated Parmesan cheese found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. It should have a texture similar to coarse sand, not shredded cheese, which can prevent the breading from crisping up evenly.

Note 3: Customize Your Heat Level. Everyone has a different spice tolerance! If you’re sensitive to heat, begin with just 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in your hot honey glaze. Taste the sauce, and if you desire more kick, gradually add additional hot sauce until it perfectly suits your preference. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Storage Best Practices. This Hot Honey Chicken is truly at its peak when enjoyed fresh, right as it emerges from the oven, when the crispy coating is at its best. While leftovers are still tasty, the breading will soften over time. If you do have any, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or air fryer to help revive some of that coveted crunch.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 624kcal |
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 27g |
Fat: 48g |
Saturated Fat: 14g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 25g |
Trans Fat: 0.36g |
Cholesterol: 129mg |
Sodium: 443mg |
Potassium: 247mg |
Fiber: 0.44g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 400IU |
Vitamin C: 0.4mg |
Calcium: 117mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Exact values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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