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Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.2 from 67 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Hot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and then tossed in a sticky glaze made from honey, hot sauce, garlic, and a touch of soy and vinegar. The sauce caramelizes beautifully in the skillet, making for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s irresistibly glossy and packed with garlic punch.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Hot Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon butter


Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat.
  3. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce in the same skillet.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt, infusing the base for the sauce.
  5. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes into the skillet with the garlic. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly into a sticky glaze.
  6. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them gently in the hot honey garlic sauce to coat thoroughly.
  7. Caramelize: Cook the chicken in the sauce for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the glaze to become glossy and caramelized for a rich finish.
  8. Serve: Serve the hot honey garlic chicken immediately, paired with your choice of rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice level.
  • Chicken thighs are recommended as they remain especially juicy and flavorful.
  • Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if you require a gluten-free option.
  • For garnish and added texture, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the finished dish before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American