If you are looking for a dinner that hits that perfect balance between fiery heat and floral sweetness, look no further than these honey sriracha chicken thighs. The slow-rendered crispy skin and the sticky, glossy glaze make this a standout meal that requires very little active effort in the kitchen. It is a fantastic way to elevate a budget-friendly cut of meat into something truly special for a weeknight family dinner.

Recipe Details

  • Yields: 4
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 40-45 min
  • Total Time: 45-50 min

Ingredients

  • 5-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Sesame seeds as a garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F.
  2. Prepare the chicken by rubbing each thigh with olive oil and seasoning them generously with the salt and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into a cold skillet. Set the heat to medium-low and let them cook for 15 minutes without moving them to ensure the skin becomes perfectly crisp.
  4. While the chicken is in the pan, whisk together the honey and sriracha in a small bowl to create your glaze.
  5. Turn the chicken thighs over and continue cooking on the stovetop for another 10 minutes.
  6. If you are using a cast-iron skillet, you can keep the chicken in the pan; otherwise, move the thighs to a baking tray. Drizzle the prepared sauce over both sides of the chicken until they are well-coated, using as much of the glaze as you prefer.
  7. Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. For a thicker, stickier coating, feel free to brush on any remaining sauce and return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Success

When cooking these thighs, do not worry too much about the clock—chicken thighs are naturally juicy and are quite difficult to overcook compared to breast meat. Starting the chicken in a cold skillet is a professional secret that helps the fat render slowly, resulting in a much crunchier skin. If you find you love the glaze, feel free to whip up an extra batch of the honey and sriracha mixture to serve as a dipping sauce at the table.

Pick up a side of steamed rice or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love.