Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken Recipe

I whipped up a batch of Honey Paprika Chicken that immediately grabbed my attention. Starting with 2 lbs of chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powder, I drizzled on a honey glaze and added hints of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. The flavors blend perfectly.

I recently experimented with a recipe for Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken that blew my mind and I can’t wait to share it with you. It started off pretty simple with 2 lbs of chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks, tossed in a mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.

I then added garlic powder and onion powder before glazing everything in a luscious sauce made with 1/2 cup honey, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce and a touch of fresh lemon juice. And of course, I drizzled melted unsalted butter over the top with a splash of olive oil.

This sweet and spicy twist on a Southern classic is both bold and comforting in its own way. Trust me when I say that once you try this spicy glazed chicken recipe, you’ll be hooked on this epic combo of flavors.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love how the mix of sweet honey and spicy cayenne gives this chicken a kick that makes each bite exciting even though sometimes it feels almost too spicy but in a good way.
2. I like that the recipe is simple enough that even when I’m in a rush I can still throw it together, sear the chicken in one pan, and then finish it off in the oven without any fuss.
3. I gotta say, the way the meat gets all crispy on the outside and stays juicy on the inside makes it feel like comfort food that always reminds me of family gatherings.
4. I appreciate how most of the ingredients are stuff I already have on hand, so I dont have to run out to the store, and that makes it easier to make on a weeknight when I’m tired.

Ingredients

• Chicken pieces provide lean protein that fills you up and builds muscle.
• Honey is a natural sweetener that balances the spicy and tangy notes.
• Apple cider vinegar adds acidity which helps tenderize the meat and lift flavors.
• Hot sauce gives that extra heat to cut through the sweetness and enhance taste.
• Olive oil offers healthy fats that keep the chicken moist and add richness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, wings)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry rub until they are evenly coated.

3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until they get a nice brown color.

4. While the chicken is searing, in a smaller bowl whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted).

5. Once the chicken pieces are seared, remove the skillet briefly from the heat and pour the honey spiced glaze evenly over the chicken.

6. Give the chicken a gentle stir so that it gets well coated in all the flavors.

7. Return the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for about 35 minutes, checking occasionally.

8. After 35 minutes, spoon some of the glaze over the chicken and stir gently to keep it moist and flavorful.

9. Continue to cook for an extra 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely glazed.

10. Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your spicy honey glazed chicken.

Equipment Needed

FAQ

Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have apple cider vinegar, try using white wine vinegar or even rice vinegar instead
• Instead of unsalted butter, use margarine or coconut oil if youre looking for a dairy-free option
• Swap honey with maple syrup if you want a slightly different natural sweetness
• If you cant get paprika, you can use a bit of chili powder or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor
• For cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes are a good alternative to keep the spice level up

Pro Tips

1. Pat your chicken real dry before cooking so the skin gets nice and crispy. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up with soggy chicken even after searin and roasting.

2. Don’t over-sear the chicken in the pan. You want a good crust but too much searin can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and let it brown nicely without burning.

3. Baste the chicken with the glaze more than once while it cooks. This helps keep it moist and full of flavor, and the extra layers of glaze really bring out the spices.

4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven so that the juices redistribute. If you cut into it too early, you’ll lose all the juiciness you worked hard to get.