New hot honey glazed chicken might just be my favorite flavor combo to come out of my kitchen lately. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the notes: crispy, juicy, sticky-sweet, and just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
If you’ve ever stood in line at Chipotle or KFC wondering how they get their honey chicken so good, this is your chance to bring that magic home, only better.
In this recipe, we’ll talk about what makes this spicy honey-glazed chicken so irresistible, from the simple pantry ingredients to the foolproof cooking method.
Whether you’re craving a copycat Chipotle hot honey chicken bowl or a southern-style sweet heat dish for Sunday dinner, you’ll find everything you need right here.
We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, how to serve it, variations (yes, there’s an air fryer option), plus answers to the most asked questions.
Now let’s jump into the flavor, starting with the story behind how this dish landed on my family table.
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How New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Became a Must in My Kitchen
The new hot honey glazed chicken I tasted at Chipotle hit me like a flavor bomb, sweet and spicy with just the right kick, wrapped around juicy chicken so tender it practically melted.
A week later, I saw KFC had their own take on spicy honey chicken, and of course I had to try that too. Crispy coating, sticky glaze, and that same fire-meets-sugar profile. I was hooked.
But you know me, I can’t stop at just eating it. I needed to figure out how to make it myself. So began the journey. My first version was too sweet, the next one scorched in the pan, and another just didn’t have that deep smoky heat I remembered.
I tried chipotle powder, chili flakes, even a drizzle of maple syrup. I marinated, basted, and broiled. Somewhere between attempt five and six, something clicked. A little vinegar for tang, just enough garlic, and the perfect balance of honey and heat.
It finally tasted like it should, and maybe even better than what started it all.
These days, it’s become a regular rotation in our house. I’ll make a batch of this spicy honey glazed chicken for dinner and save leftovers for wraps, salads, or even quick sliders.
It’s a go-to, like my Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole when we need comfort, or the Hellmann’s mayonnaise parmesan chicken when I want something fast and foolproof.
If you’ve ever bitten into restaurant chicken and thought, “I need to figure this out at home,” this one’s for you.
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New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe 2025
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sweet, spicy, sticky, and bold, this new hot honey glazed chicken brings restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen.
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. Whisk together honey, hot sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, paprika, and pepper flakes.
2. Reserve half the glaze. Toss chicken with the rest and marinate 20 minutes or more.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan. Sear chicken 5–6 mins per side, until fully cooked.
4. Brush with extra glaze during final minute for sticky coating.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use thighs for juicier meat. Double glaze if you want extra sauce.
To reduce heat, use less red pepper or a milder hot sauce.
Try grilling or baking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
What You Need for the Best New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken?
When it comes to making the new hot honey glazed chicken, the magic is in the balance, sweet, spicy, tangy, and just a little smoky. The beauty of this recipe is you don’t need anything fancy.
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can tweak them to suit your heat tolerance.
For the chicken, I like using boneless thighs. They stay juicy and soak up the glaze beautifully, but boneless breasts work too if that’s what you’ve got.
For the spicy honey glazed chicken marinade, you’ll blend honey, hot sauce (Frank’s or Cholula both work), apple cider vinegar for tang, and just a touch of Dijon mustard for depth.
Add in garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and that’s your glaze.
If you’re used to slow cooker comfort food, this one’s a great counterpart to my chicken and gravy crockpot.
Both rely on simple, big-flavor ingredients and require minimal fuss. And just like my Hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe, it’s all about a bold crust and juicy meat.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1½ lbs |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Hot sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2–3 cloves |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp (optional) |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp (for cooking) |
Feel free to scale up the glaze if you’re making extra or planning to use leftovers later.
How to Make New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Step by Step?
Making new hot honey glazed chicken at home is easier than it sounds, and it tastes even better than the restaurant versions.
Whether you’re chasing that KFC hot honey chicken vibe or just want to master your own sweet-and-spicy masterpiece, this step-by-step method gets you there fast. You can pan-sear, bake, or even grill depending on your mood (and the weather).
Here’s how I do it most weeknights, with a hot skillet and a short marinade window that still packs big flavor.
Step 1: Make the glaze
In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2–3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This hot honey glaze is thick, sticky, and loaded with punchy flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Toss 1½ pounds of boneless chicken thighs in about half the glaze. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, longer if you’ve got the time (up to 12 hours in the fridge). Keep the rest of the glaze for brushing later.
Step 3: Cook it hot
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked through (165°F internal temp).
During the last minute, brush on some of the reserved glaze to caramelize it right in the pan.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and lets the flavors settle.
If you’re into quick, satisfying skillet recipes, you’ll love how this compares to my onion crunch chicken HelloFresh recipe. Or try it on a weeknight like my one-pan marry me chicken pasta, flavorful, minimal mess, and totally satisfying.
Tasty Variations on New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken
Once you’ve made the new hot honey glazed chicken once, it’s hard not to start thinking of all the ways you can spin it.
The base recipe is bold and balanced, but it’s also incredibly flexible, perfect for customizing to your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
Whether you like it crispier, spicier, or even meat-free, this dish plays nice with your creativity.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken
Craving crunch? Use the same spicy honey glaze, but coat your chicken thighs or tenders in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Pop them into the air fryer at 390°F for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with glaze in the final few minutes for that sticky finish.
It’s like KFC hot honey chicken, but fresher and with way less oil.
Baked or Grilled Chicken Options
Want a more hands-off version? Lay marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 22–25 minutes, basting halfway through with extra glaze.
For summer grilling, toss them over medium-high heat and let the flames caramelize the honey. Either way, that sweet-heat crust will have people licking their fingers.
Spice Level Tweaks
Can’t handle too much heat? Use a mild hot sauce like Cholula or swap red pepper flakes for a pinch of smoked paprika. Love it fiery? Add a spoonful of chipotle paste or cayenne to dial it up.
Meatless & Meal-Prep Friendly
Use tofu or cauliflower in place of chicken for a vegetarian take. Roast or air fry until crisp, then glaze. This works especially well for bowls or wraps.
I also love making a double batch and storing it like I do with my buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese for quick lunches.
You can even pair this spicy glaze with something rich like my buffalo chicken mac and cheese crock pot for the ultimate sweet-spicy mashup.
How to Serve New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken?
The beauty of new hot honey glazed chicken is how versatile it is once it’s cooked. That glossy, sticky glaze clings to every bite and makes it perfect for more than just a plate of chicken and sides.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal-prepping for the week, or plating up for guests, there’s a tasty way to serve it.
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Serve sliced chicken over a bed of cilantro lime rice, black beans, and grilled corn. Add avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime. You’ve basically built your own chipotle hot honey chicken bowl, and it’s better than takeout.
Wraps, Sandwiches & Sliders
Layer leftovers onto toasted buns with a little coleslaw or pickles for heat relief. Add melty cheddar or pepper jack for extra richness. You can also slice the chicken into strips and toss them in a wrap with shredded lettuce and ranch.
Simple Side Pairings
Keep it easy with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even just a crisp green salad. This glaze plays well with both sweet and fresh flavors. Pairing it with something light like my southwest chicken salad or the tangy Chick-fil-A kale salad gives you a full-flavor, balanced plate.
Perfect for Parties
Make mini versions using chicken tenders, slice into bite-sized chunks, and serve with toothpicks as an appetizer. Keep some extra glaze on the side as a dipping sauce, it’ll disappear fast.
How to Store and Reheat New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken?
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to double up on this new hot honey glazed chicken, because the leftovers are just as crave-worthy.
Whether you’re meal prepping or saving some for a late-night snack, storing it right makes all the difference in keeping that sticky-sweet glaze and juicy bite intact.
Storing It Right
Let the chicken cool completely before sealing it up. Place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Want to keep it longer? It freezes beautifully. Just wrap each piece tightly in foil or freezer paper, then slide them into a freezer-safe bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating for Best Results
To bring your spicy honey glazed chicken back to life, skip the microwave if you can. For the best texture:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F, wrap chicken in foil, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat on medium with a splash of water and a brush of leftover glaze if you saved some.
- Air fryer: Re-crisps the edges, just heat at 360°F for 6–8 minutes.
Much like my crock pot marry me chicken pasta, this one reheats like a dream and makes lunch the next day just as exciting as dinner.
Tips for Perfect New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken
Making new hot honey glazed chicken is simple, but a few small tweaks can take it from good to unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, these tips will help you get the most flavor, texture, and balance out of every bite.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time
Once your chicken comes off the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes. This locks in the juices and keeps that glaze from sliding off.
It’s the same reason my marry me chicken pasta always tastes rich and tender, resting gives your meat time to settle.
Use the Right Pan
A heavy skillet or grill pan gives the glaze a chance to caramelize without burning. If you’re baking, line the sheet pan with foil and broil in the last 2 minutes to get that signature sticky top.
Adjust Heat to Taste
Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice. Add more hot sauce or cayenne if you like it fiery, or tame it with a little butter or more honey. You’re in charge of the heat level, make it yours.
Double the Glaze
Save half the glaze for basting or drizzling after cooking. This keeps things flavorful without risking undercooked marinade on your plate.
Make It a Meal
Pair this spicy honey glazed chicken with light, fresh sides. I love it over salad or with roasted veggies, just like the pairings in my slimming world chicken salad recipes.
These small tips make a big impact, especially if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. Want even more help building confidence at the stove? My beginner-friendly cooking tips can help you feel right at home with every recipe.
Conclusion: Why This New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’ve been craving that sweet heat like Chipotle’s or missing the crunch of KFC hot honey chicken, this new hot honey glazed chicken recipe brings it all home, without the mystery ingredients or long lines.
It’s bold, balanced, and incredibly flexible whether you’re baking, grilling, or pan-searing.
With a short list of ingredients and foolproof steps, even first-time cooks can pull this off. The glaze alone is worth keeping in your back pocket for wings, tenders, or even roasted veggies. And like I always say, good chicken should make people pause mid-bite and say “Wow.”
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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About New Hot Honey Glazed Chicken
What is the new honey chicken at Chipotle?
Chipotle’s new honey chicken is a sweet-and-spicy take on their grilled classics, glazed in a sticky hot honey sauce made with chipotle peppers, honey, and smoky spices. It’s bold, balanced, and perfect for bowls or tacos, just like this homemade version of new hot honey glazed chicken.
How do you make hot honey glaze for chicken?
To make a hot honey glaze, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a pinch of chili flakes. Simmer briefly or whisk raw for a quick glaze. For a Gordon Ramsay-style finish, reduce the mixture until syrupy and brush it on during the last minute of cooking.
What are the spicy honey chicken seasonings?
Seasonings often include smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, chili flakes, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Some versions use chipotle powder or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Does KFC still have hot honey chicken?
KFC’s hot honey chicken has been released as a limited-time item in the past, but it’s not always on the menu. This homemade version delivers a similar sweet heat with more control over the ingredients, and no drive-thru line.
How to make honey glaze Gordon Ramsay?
Gordon Ramsay typically uses a reduction of honey, vinegar (like balsamic or cider), fresh herbs, and garlic to create a thick, sticky glaze. The key is balancing sweetness with acidity and applying it in layers for that caramelized finish.
What is honey glaze sauce made of?
A basic honey glaze sauce includes honey, hot sauce or chili, vinegar, garlic, and seasonings like paprika or mustard. It can be cooked down for thickness or brushed on raw depending on the recipe.