Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, then you have to try this Baked Hot Honey Chicken recipe. It’s juicy and tender chicken thighs and drumsticks baked in a tantalizing marinade of honey, chili sauce, garlic, and lemon, roasted until golden and caramelized. What makes it so irresistible is the way the hot and sweet notes dance together, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes dinner time effortless without sacrificing any of the bold flavors you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor—each ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in making your Baked Hot Honey Chicken absolutely unforgettable. From the spicy kick of chili sauce to the aromatic warmth of garlic, these essentials come together for a perfectly balanced dish.

• Chicken thighs and drumsticks (1 kg / 6-8 pieces): Bone-in and skinless for juicy meat that soaks up all the marinade goodness.
• Chili sauce (120 g / ½ cup): Adds that fiery depth and a touch of tangy zest to the honey glaze.
• Honey (90 g / ¼ cup): Brings sweetness that beautifully complements and softens the heat.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Ensures the chicken remains tender and enhances richness.
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Offers a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Salt (1½ tsp): Elevates all the flavors harmoniously.
• Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild spice and complexity.
• Paprika (1 tsp, optional): Provides a smoky undertone and lovely color to the chicken.
• Ground cumin (½ tsp, optional): Contributes an earthy warmth for depth.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced): Roasts nicely, infusing the dish with gentle sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic cloves (4-6, peeled): Roasted whole, garlic softens and imparts a rich garlicky flavor throughout.
• Garlic bulb (1, halved horizontally): Adds an extra dose of mellow, roasted garlic goodness when nestled into the pan.

How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining the chili sauce, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin in a large baking dish. This marinade is the heart of your Baked Hot Honey Chicken—each ingredient contributes layers of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor that will soak into every bite.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken and Veggies

Add the bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks to the marinade and toss everything together until every piece is well coated. Nestle in the sliced onion, peeled garlic cloves, and halved garlic bulb cut side down. These vegetables will roast alongside the chicken, adding aromatic notes and delicious bites.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes. The foil helps the chicken stay moist as it begins cooking in the flavorful marinade, locking in juiciness and creating a tender texture.

Step 4: Uncover and Caramelize

Remove the foil, baste the chicken pieces with the pan juices, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step caramelizes the honey and chili sauce, giving the chicken a gorgeous golden color and irresistible sticky glaze.

Step 5: Optional Broil for Crispy Edges

If you love a bit of crunch on your chicken, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn, but this quick broil adds a lovely crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the tender interior.

How to Serve Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make wonderful garnishes, adding a burst of green freshness that brightens the dish. A few lemon wedges on the side also work beautifully, allowing each person to add an extra splash of citrus zing if they like.

Side Dishes

This Baked Hot Honey Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, quinoa, or steamed rice, which help soak up all those luscious pan juices. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables balance the richness and bring textural variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style meal, serve everything straight from the baking dish to the table. Or, plate individual portions with a drizzle of sauce over the top and a sprinkle of fresh chili flakes for an extra pop of heat. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds a creamy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Baked Hot Honey Chicken by wrapping well in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until heated through, or microwave carefully to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps keep the meat juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?

Yes, but keep in mind chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Reduce the baking time and consider marinating longer to retain moisture and flavor.

How spicy is this Baked Hot Honey Chicken?

The heat mainly comes from the chili sauce, which tends to be mild to medium spicy. You can adjust the amount or type of chili sauce depending on your heat preference.

Is it necessary to use the whole garlic bulb?

The garlic bulb adds a wonderful mellow roasted flavor and depth. However, if you want a simpler version, you can skip it and just use the peeled garlic cloves.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free as long as your chili sauce is certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be sure.

What should I serve with Baked Hot Honey Chicken for a complete meal?

A simple grain like rice or couscous and a green salad or roasted veggies create a balanced, satisfying meal that complements the rich, sweet-spicy chicken perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Baked Hot Honey Chicken a try because it’s one of those recipes that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. It brings together bold flavors, tender meat, and effortless cooking to brighten up any weeknight or special occasion. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that perfect blend of heat and honeyed sweetness, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites too!