Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot Honey Chicken (Sweet, Spicy & Irresistibly Sticky)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Glazed chicken thighs in a skillet garnished with green onions and parsley, surrounded by a rich, glossy brown sauce.

This Hot Honey Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy sweet-and-spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. Golden pan-seared chicken is finished with a drizzle of hot honey for a bold, crave-worthy dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

If you enjoy sweet-heat favorites like Marry Me Chicken or bold skillet dinners such as Chicken Scampi, this recipe fits perfectly into your weeknight rotation. It pairs beautifully with cozy sides like Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables, and works just as well for casual dinners as it does for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This

Hot Honey Chicken

Juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a bold sweet-spicy hot honey sauce
Easy, versatile recipe that works for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Simple ingredients with big, comforting flavor
Pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salads for a complete meal

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 410 kcal

Carbohydrates: 18 g

Protein: 34 g

Fat: 22 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 14 g

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

⅓ cup hot honey

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Reduce the heat to low and add butter to the skillet.

Stir in hot honey, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce warm and loosen slightly.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and sticky.

Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts work well when cooked carefully.

Hot honey brands vary in heat level—adjust red pepper flakes accordingly.

For a baked version, finish the chicken in a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes after searing.

This sauce also works beautifully on salmon, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hot Honey Chicken very spicy? It’s mildly spicy with a sweet finish. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less hot honey.

Can I make this in the air fryer? Yes. Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 14–16 minutes, then toss with warmed hot honey sauce.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Chicken? Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad all pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Chicken is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Sweet, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s easy enough for busy weeknights while still feeling bold and special—exactly the kind of cozy comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for more.