This Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken is sure to spice up your meal! It combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Trust me, the mix of heat from the buffalo sauce and sweetness from the honey makes this dish truly special. I love serving it on crispy tacos for a fun twist—just the right amount of yum! 🌶️🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, go for chicken breasts. You can also use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option!
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any other hot sauce you love will work. Try a less spicy sauce if you’re sensitive to heat. For a different flavor, you might enjoy Sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the heat. If you want a low-sugar alternative, agave nectar or maple syrup can be great substitutes, though they may change the flavor slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness to the sauce. Feel free to switch to olive oil or a dairy-free alternative if you’re keeping things light or dairy-free.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with the right methods, you can get it just right. The key here is to ensure your chicken is seared first, allowing flavor to develop.
- Sear for just a few minutes on each side until golden brown. This adds great texture!
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—this guarantees juicy, safe chicken.
- Let your chicken rest after baking; this helps keep it tender and juicy.
Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook in the oven, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will bake evenly and cook thoroughly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts or thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor to the meat as it cooks!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Mix the Saucy Goodness:
Now, stir in the hot sauce and honey into the melted butter and garlic. Mix them together until smooth and well combined. Remove the sauce from heat.
6. Coat the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey buffalo sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Right before serving, spoon some extra sauce from the baking dish over the chicken.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your sweet, spicy, and tangy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as directed!
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce to 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup. Alternatively, you could mix in a little more honey to balance out the heat without losing that sweet flavor. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier hot sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the oven, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble and bake. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights!