Easy hot honey chicken thighs

Succulent chicken thighs cooked with homemade hot honey, flavored with thyme is a quick and easy dinner recipe. Hot honey chicken thighs are perfect served with rice and greens.

Ingredients

Full recipe + amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Chicken thighs. Any cut of chicken can be substituted but bone-in, skin-on chicken will deliver the most delicious end result.
• Fresh thyme. 
• Garlic powder. 
• Honey. 
• Chilli flakes. 
• Lemon juice. 
• Salt and pepper. 

How to make hot honey chicken thighs

1. Make the hot honey: Combine the honey, chilli flakes and lemon juice in a large glass jar (the honey will bubble up so it’s best to use a jar big enough to only fill it half way with honey). Microwave in 1 minute bursts, stirring in between, for 3 minutes. Allow to cool and infuse for at least 30 minutes but the honey can be kept in the fridge for a few weeks. Just allow to come to room temperature before using. The chilli flakes can be strained out if you prefer.
2. Brown the chicken: Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Place the chicken, skin-side down in a large oven-proof frying pan. Place the pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken until the fat has rendered and the skin is crisp and golden. Drizzle the chicken with the hot honey and top with thyme.
3. Bake until sticky: Place in a hot oven and allow to bake for 10-15 minutes until sticky and bubbling. Check on the chicken half way through baking to make sure it’s not burning and to spoon the honey/pan juices over the chicken. Remove from the oven and serve.

How long to bake chicken thighs

Chicken thighs take approximately 15-20 minutes to cook at 180ºC/350ºF, depending on their size. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 73ºC/165ºF on a meat thermometer.

What to serve with chicken thighs

1. 10-minute garlic sautéed broccolini
2. Greek lemon potatoes
3. Easy tomato feta green bean salad

Chicken thigh recipes

1. One pan ginger chicken and rice
2. Bacon creamed corn with crispy chicken thighs
3. Easy Chicken Adobo