Description
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy grilled chicken and a sticky homemade hot honey sauce. The chicken is seasoned with chili powder, garlic, onion, and cayenne, then grilled and brushed with a sweet, spicy, and tangy honey glaze. It’s an easy chicken dinner packed with bold flavor and perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, granulated garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Season the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken and pat it dry. Drizzle with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the honey, Sriracha, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Reserve half of the sauce for serving.
4. Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill over high heat. Brush the chicken generously with some of the remaining hot honey sauce, then place it on the grill. Reduce the heat to medium-high.
Cover and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until grill marks appear. Flip the chicken, brush with more sauce, and continue cooking for another 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with sauce, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
5. Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle with the reserved hot honey sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Keep the grill at a controlled temperature so the honey glaze becomes sticky without burning.
- Adjust the cayenne and Sriracha depending on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with a refreshing salad, slaw, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- Always cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
