Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs Recipe

These perfectly balanced Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs are a simple, delicious, and deeply flavorful meal you’ll want to make on repeat. This easy dish is made with juicy chicken thighs and a sticky sauce of honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic. The result is a savory, sweet, and just-spicy-enough dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner and will serve 4 to 6 people.

Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sweet Heat Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2-4 tablespoons sriracha (depending on desired heat level)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

How To Make Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and place them in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Make the sweet heat sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the skin to get crispy before you add the sauce.
4. Glaze the chicken: After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Brush half of the sweet heat sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Return the dish to the oven and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
5. Finish the glaze: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you want an extra-thick and sticky glaze, you can pour any remaining sauce from the bowl into a small saucepan and simmer it for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then drizzle it over the cooked chicken.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the chicken dry: For the crispiest skin, it’s essential to pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning and baking. Any moisture on the skin will create steam and prevent it from crisping up.
• Adjust the heat: The amount of sriracha in this recipe is a starting point. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less. For an extra spicy kick, feel free to add a little more. You can also use other chili sauces like chili garlic sauce or gochujang.
• Don’t add the sauce too early: Adding the sauce at the beginning of the bake can cause the honey to burn before the chicken is fully cooked. By adding it towards the end, you get a beautiful, sticky glaze without the risk of scorching.
• Use an instant-read thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). Cooking chicken thighs to this temperature ensures they are juicy and tender.

What To Serve With These Chicken Thighs

These Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs are the perfect centerpiece for a simple but satisfying meal. The rich, sticky sauce pairs perfectly with a side of fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last bit of flavor. For a green vegetable, roasted broccoli or green beans tossed with a little olive oil and salt would be an excellent choice. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a great way to add a fresh and crisp texture to the plate.

How To Store Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for the best results, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze: Cooked chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with as much air removed as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sweet Heat Chicken Thighs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 35g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so reduce the initial baking time by about 5-10 minutes. The final baking time after glazing will also be shorter, so be sure to check the internal temperature.
• How can I make this even sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of honey to 3/4 cup while keeping the other ingredients the same. You could also use a little brown sugar in the sauce to add a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Can I make this in a skillet instead of the oven? Yes. To make them on the stovetop, pan-sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in a skillet until golden and crispy. Flip and cook on the other side. Drain the excess fat, then pour in the sauce and simmer, turning the chicken frequently, until the sauce is reduced and the chicken is cooked through.

Try More Recipes:

• Sweet Potato And Mushroom Carbonara
• Sweet Pepper Poppers Recipe
• Sweet Potato Fries Recipe