Make these sheet pan Hot Honey Chicken Thighs for an easy protein that's sweet, spicy, buttery and ready in just 40 minutes.
If there's one combination I will never get tired of, it's sweet and spicy, and these Hot Honey Chicken Thighs are one of my favorite ways to bring those flavors together! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a simple spice blend, baked until golden, then brushed with the most delicious hot honey butter sauce. It's sweet, spicy, buttery and SO flavorful.
As a dietitian, this is exactly the kind of easy protein I want in my weeknight rotation. They come together on one sheet pan in 40 minutes, require minimal prep and cleanup, and they give you a protein-packed option the whole family will love. Just pair them with your favorite sides and dinner is done!
If you love chicken thighs, my Chipotle Chicken Recipe is another great option, or try my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders for something a little different!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Simple sheet pan dinner. Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Great source of protein. Chicken thighs make this a satisfying, protein-packed dinner.
- Sweet, spicy and buttery. The hot honey sauce brings tons of flavor that the whole family will love.
Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients, Swaps, & Tips
Chicken thighs: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but bone-in will work too. Just increase the cook time by about 5 minutes if needed.
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder & paprika: This simple spice blend adds tons of flavor and helps the chicken get nicely golden and crispy.
Olive oil cooking spray: Helps the spice blend stick to the chicken and encourages browning.
Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the heat from the hot sauce.
Hot sauce: I use Frank's RedHot, but any favorite hot sauce will work. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tangy brightness to the sauce.
Butter: Creates a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Pat chicken thighs dry, then coat evenly with the spice blend.
- Arrange them on a large sheet pan. Lightly spray the chicken with an olive oil based cooking spray.
- Bake the chicken thighs for about 20 minutes.
- Whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until fully combined and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, brush half of the hot sauce and butter mixture evenly over each chicken thigh. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Whisk the remaining hot sauce and butter mixture together with the honey until smooth. Brush this mixture over each chicken thigh to finish, then serve immediately.
Substitutions
Gluten Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double check that your hot sauce of choice is gluten-free.
Vegan
This recipe is not easily made vegan due to the chicken, but the hot honey sauce would work well on roasted cauliflower or tofu as a plant-based alternative.
Dairy Free
Swap the butter for an equal amount of dairy-free butter or additional olive oil.
Nut Free
This recipe is naturally nut-free!
Equipment
Storage
Store leftover hot honey chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Top Tips for Success
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness! The chicken thighs are ready once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This helps ensure they're cooked through without becoming overcooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Boneless thighs work great, just note that they tend to cook a little faster, so start checking the internal temperature a few minutes early.
I used Frank's RedHot for this recipe, but any hot sauce you enjoy will work well. Just keep in mind that spice levels vary between brands, so adjust the amount to your taste.
Yes! Grill the chicken thighs over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush with the hot honey sauce as directed, then serve.
More Staple Proteins Recipes
If you liked these hot honey chicken thighs, try these recipes:
- Crispy Baked Chicken
- Turkey Feta Meatballs
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these hot honey chicken thighs, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs), boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- olive oil cooking spray
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon hot sauce, (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with a paper towel (this step helps the skin crisp up in the oven!). In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Rub the spice blend evenly over all sides of each chicken thigh, then arrange them on a large sheet pan, leaving space between each piece so they aren't touching and can cook evenly. Lightly spray the chicken with an olive oil based cooking spray, or brush with a small amount of olive oil.
- Bake the chicken thighs for about 20 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl until fully combined and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Using a pastry brush, brush half of the hot sauce and butter mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, making sure to coat all sides. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, whisk the remaining hot sauce and butter mixture together with the honey until smooth. Brush this mixture over each chicken thigh to finish, then serve immediately.
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