Spicy Honey Chicken

This Spicy Honey Chicken recipe is divine. The hot honey chicken skewers are the perfect balance of flavor from the spices, and the drizzle of sweet honey glaze takes it to the next level.

It is juicy, spicy, sweet, and salty. It has all the best flavors one can ask for. The hot honey sauce has the right amount of heat and sweetness. If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy meal in your air fryer, you'll definitely want to try these spicy hot honey chicken skewers. They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick, easy delicious weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.

These spicy honey chicken rice bowls are a great recipe. This hot honey chicken dish uses simple ingredients you already have in your pantry. You can air fry, grill on the barbecue or a charcoal grill, or bake in the oven. Whichever way you like your chicken cooked. I chose my air fryer because it is quick, and I was only making 4 skewers. It is up to you. 

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs - you can use chicken breasts for this recipe, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are best because they are juicer and easier to cook. Feel free to use chicken breast for this recipe.

Grapeseed oil - any oil will work. Olive oil, coconut oil, canola, or vegetable oil. 

Spices - Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dry mustard are all great spices to use for this recipe. However, it is not the end of the world if you don't have 1 or 2 spices. Add or omit as many spices as you want. 

Lime - This is an essential ingredient. The citrus adds a balance to all the richness. If you don't have lime, use lemon.

Hot Honey Sauce - this is the star of the show. 

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

The instructions for this spicy chicken dish are easy peasy. 

CHICKEN 

• Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized 2" pieces.
• Place the chicken pieces, the spice rub, and the oil in a large bowl. Combine well.
• Thread the chicken onto skewers, folding the pieces in half if they are long and thin. 
• Make sure they are very close together. This will ensure they stay juicy.
• Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes while making the hot honey sauce.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees air fry mode. 

HOT HONEY SAUCE

• In a saucepan, on medium heat, brown the butter.

• Once the butter is browned, add the sliced garlic, red chili flakes, Thai red chili, and salt and pepper.

• Add the honey, and let it simmer for 2 minutes on medium-high heat. Take it off the heat and set it aside in a heat-proof container.

• Air fry the chicken: Arrange your chicken in a preheated air fryer. Do not overcrowd. Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. At 7 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the hot honey sauce. Baste it again at the end of 15 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
  
• Use parchment paper to line your tray or basket for easy clean up.
  
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
  
• To make it a complete meal, serve the chicken skewers with sides such as cilantro lime rice, and vegetables such as roasted broccoli or grilled zucchini.
  

Substitutions

This Spicy Honey Chicken recipe is super versatile. 

• Chicken - Instead of chicken thighs, try it with chicken breast, chicken tenders. Bone-in chicken thighs would work well. You don't need to skewer it.
• Pork medallions would work well here too.
  
• Spices - Add or omit as many spices as you want. Next time, try spices like chili powder, oregano, and basil.  or even sriracha or hot sauce if you're feeling spicy.
  
• Want Spicier? - Try adding cayenne pepper. Or even sriracha or hot sauce if you're feeling spicy.
  

Equipment

This Spicy Honey Lime Chicken can be cooked in multiple ways. In an oven, grill, or air fryer. Here are some of the essential tools you need.

• Medium bowl 
• Bamboo Skewers
• Spatula
• Measuring tools
• Saucepan 
• Heatproof container with a spout 
• Pastry brush for basting
• Baking sheet pan

Storage

Store your leftovers in an airtight container. It will be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat it in the air fryer for 3 minutes. Or pan fry it with a little water to bring back its moisture.

Spicy Honey Chicken - FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these other chicken recipes:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Spicy Honey Chicken recipe:

Carmen Spillette

Spicy Honey Chicken

5 from 3 votes

This Spicy Honey Chicken is divine. The chicken skewers are the perfect balance of flavor from the spices, and the drizzle of sweet honey glaze takes it to the next level.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 -4

Course: air fry

Cuisine: air fry

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2" pieces
• 2 tablespoon of grapeseed oil
• Spice Rub
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Hot Honey Sauce
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes put as much as you want
• 1 red thai chili
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Kana Cast Iron Pans

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized 2" pieces.
2. Place the chicken, spices, and oil listed above in a large bowl. Combine well. 
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, folding the pieces in half if they are long and thin. Make sure they are very close together. This will ensure they stay juicy. 
4. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes while making the hot honey sauce. 
5. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees air fry mode. 
6. Hot honey sauce: In a saucepan, brown the butter. 
7. Once the butter is browned, add the sliced garlic, soy sauce, red chili flakes, Thai red chili, and salt and pepper. 
8. Add the honey, and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside in a heat-proof container.
9. Air fry the chicken: Arrange your chicken in a preheated air fryer. Do not overcrowd. Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. At 7 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the hot honey sauce. Baste it again at the end of 15 minutes. 
10.  Serve this chicken hot and with extra sauce on the side. Enjoy! 

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