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Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken

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Juicy and sticky hot honey chicken that is easy to make and perfect for busy nights. It features a spicy-sweet glaze and bakes to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Honey
  • Hot sauce or chili flakes
  • Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: soy sauce or tamari, onion powder, cayenne
  • To serve: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with foil and place a wire rack on top, if you have one.
  2. Pat the chicken dry. Toss with olive oil or melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Arrange the chicken on the pan (or rack) with space between pieces.
  4. Make the hot honey: in a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and warm briefly.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Brush with half of the hot honey and bake 5–10 minutes more.
  6. Check doneness: the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Brush with the rest of the hot honey. Broil for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve warm.

Notes

Use a wire rack for crisp edges. Pat chicken very dry for better browning. This dish reheats well and can be adjusted for spiciness easily.

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