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Hot Honey Butter Chicken

Hot Honey Butter Chicken

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Hot Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and comforting dish that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. With juicy chicken thighs seared to crisp perfection and coated in a luscious plant-based butter and natural honey sauce infused with smoked paprika and gentle heat from cayenne pepper, this recipe makes an ideal weeknight meal. Enhanced with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh lemon juice (natural), and apple cider vinegar, it delivers warmth and brightness without overpowering, served best with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
  • 3 tablespoons honey (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Small pinch of natural gelling agent (optional, for sauce thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken pieces, coating every surface to infuse maximum flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the plant-based butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When melted and sizzling, place the chicken skin-side down. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This step seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
  3. Make the Hot Honey Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and allow the chicken to soak in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it simmers. Add a small pinch of natural gelling agent if you prefer the sauce slightly thickened.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before plating. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to seal in juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Choose skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for juicy and flavorful results.
  • Allow the skin to crisp fully to contrast with the silky sauce texture.
  • Adjust the balance of honey (natural) and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of sweetness and heat.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on medium-low heat to prevent burning the honey (natural).
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: hot honey butter chicken, smoky chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, quick chicken dinner, plant-based butter chicken, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/hot-honey-butter-chicken/