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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are sweet, tangy, spicy, and smothered in a sticky honey sauce. This is one of my go to weeknight dishes because it is so easy to make and your whole family will love it
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 3
Calories: 531kcal
Author: Brianna May

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6-8 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root grated
  • 6 (2 pounds) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°. Place the butter in the cast iron skillet. Put it into the oven while it preheats.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the water, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, chili flakes, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and ginger. Whisk together until well combined.
  • Remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Pour all of the sauce over the chicken.
  • Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Broil for 5 minutes. Spoon lots of sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Smoked paprika: You can substitute plain paprika but it does not have as much flavor.
Ginger: I recommend using pre-grated ginger that comes in a jar. You can also grated your own, the pre-grated is just easier.
Chicken thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts. However, they dry out much easier and have less flavor.
Unsalted butter: You can swap this for any neutral flavored oil.
Use a meat thermometer. Using a thermometer guarantees you have cooked the chicken to minimum safe internal temperature and that it is not overcooked.
Use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron retains heat very well. I use the Lodge 10 inch cast iron skillet for this recipe and most of my cooking. It is a great and affordable option.
Broil the chicken. This browns the top and further carmelized the sugar in the honey.
Serve the chicken with lots of sauce. Be sure to spoon lots of the sauce over chicken when it comes out of the oven. It is also great drizzled over some steamed rice and broccoli.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Not only does it look pretty, but adds some nice texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 2chicken thighs | Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 297mg | Sodium: 1669mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g