Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The crispy chicken is drizzled with a golden honey glaze that’s just the right balance of heat and sweetness. It’s the kind of meal that you’ll crave on a cozy evening or when you’re entertaining friends. With Hot Honey Chicken, you get the delicious crunch of fried chicken mixed with the irresistible kick from the honey and chili sauce.
The Secret to the Flavor
The magic behind Hot Honey Chicken lies in the glaze. Honey, hot sauce, and a hint of vinegar come together to create a sauce that has the perfect combination of heat and sweetness. It coats the chicken perfectly, making each bite a burst of flavor. The sweetness of the honey helps tame the heat, but it’s the spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Crispy and Juicy
What makes Hot Honey Chicken truly special is the crispy coating on the chicken. The chicken is first coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then fried to golden perfection. The outside is crispy, and the inside stays juicy and tender. When you add the hot honey sauce on top, the flavors melt together into something unforgettable. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that everyone will love.
Serving Hot Honey Chicken
Hot Honey Chicken is great on its own, but you can also serve it with some sides to complete the meal. A simple salad, steamed veggies, or even some creamy mashed potatoes go perfectly with this dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it for a special occasion, Hot Honey Chicken will definitely be the star of the show.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Hot Honey Chicken
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 155°F (67°C) before removing it from the oven. It will continue to cook as it rests.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of hot honey, olive oil, and minced garlic for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before stuffing them. This will enhance the flavor and ensure the chicken absorbs the sweet and spicy elements more deeply.
- Perfect Stuffing: Be generous with the cheese stuffing but avoid overstuffing the chicken. You want the filling to be secure without spilling out too much while cooking. If some cheese oozes out, it adds a delicious crispy layer around the chicken.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. For a sharper flavor, swap out the mozzarella for aged cheddar or gouda. If you prefer a milder, creamy filling, go with ricotta instead of cream cheese.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeños or switch them out for milder bell peppers if you’re cooking for kids or those who are sensitive to heat. For a spicier version, use habaneros or serrano peppers.
- Searing for Color: Searing the chicken before baking not only adds flavor but also ensures the chicken breasts develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t skip this step for a more visually appealing dish.
- Add Extra Crisp: For a crispy crust, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve with Side Dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweet heat of the chicken.
Hot Honey Chicken
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes282
kcal5
minutes40
minutesDiscover the perfect balance of sweet and heat with our irresistible Hot Honey Chicken! This recipe combines tender chicken breasts glazed with a luscious hot honey sauce, creating a dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this chicken dish delivers a mouthwatering combination of sweetness and spice that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Elevate your meal repertoire with this simple yet impressive Hot Honey Chicken recipe today!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 oz each)
- Seasonings
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
- Cooking Essentials
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Cheese Filling
1/2 cup cream cheese softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Additional Flavor
2 pieces jalapeños deseeded and finely chopped
- Sweet Heat
1/4 cup hot honey
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken: Substitute with turkey breast for a leaner option.
Cream Cheese: Use ricotta cheese for a lighter filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Swap with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
Jalapeños: Replace with green bell peppers for a milder flavor or habaneros for extra heat.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or canola oil as alternatives.
Hot Honey: Substitute with regular honey mixed with a dash of cayenne pepper for similar sweetness and heat.
Kosher Salt: Use sea salt or table salt as replacements.
Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika or chipotle powder for a different smoky flavor.
Directions
- Preheating the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your chicken.
- Preparing the Chicken: Carefully slice pockets into each chicken breast on the side opposite the smooth surface, avoiding cutting all the way through to maintain a neat appearance and secure stuffing.
- Mixing the Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 30 seconds. Then, combine with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and hot honey until well blended.
- Stuffing and Sealing the Chicken: Generate generous portions of the cheese mixture and insert them into the prepared chicken breasts. Secure each opening with 2-3 toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking. *Optional:* For an extra crispy finish, allow a bit of the stuffing to overflow slightly.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Evenly coat both sides of each stuffed chicken breast with smoked paprika and kosher salt to enhance flavor and color.
- Searing the Chicken: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts smooth side down and cook for 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Baking the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (67°C).
- Resting and Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. *Optional:* Drizzle with additional hot honey before serving for enhanced sweetness and heat. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Cast Iron Skillet
- instant read thermometer
Notes
- To ensure the chicken remains juicy, avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature closely. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of hot honey and garlic for an hour before stuffing. Serve this Hot Honey Chicken alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with large portobello mushrooms and follow the same stuffing method.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 282kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 36g
- Vitamin A: 400IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
FAQ- Hot Honey Chicken
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces take longer to cook.
What can I use instead of hot honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can substitute regular honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes mixed in. This will give you a similar sweet and spicy flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Simply stuff the chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before searing and baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you make sure to use gluten-free hot honey and check all seasonings for gluten content.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The most reliable way to check is by using an instant-read thermometer. When the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F (67°C), it is done. Let it rest for 5 minutes, and the temperature will rise to the safe level of 160°F (71°C).
