Honey Spicy Chicken

Boring chicken for dinner is so last year, it’s even last decade.

For far too long, convenience ruled over delicious and I’m so happy the pendulum has swung back.  Todays recipes need to be full of delicious flavors, fresh, easy and fast enough for a weeknight meal.  Food should taste good without all those 27-letter long words that nobody but the chemist can pronounce.  Who’s with me?

It’s high time chicken thighs get some love; they’ve played second fiddle to chicken breasts long enough.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a perfectly cooked chicken breasts but the thigh is so much better in this recipe.  I think you’ll agree after making it.  But, if you really must use a breast, I promise you’ll love it.

Open up your pantry and let’s get to spicing.  Stir together garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika and crushed red pepper.  See, all words you can pronounce.

Toss with the chicken, making sure every piece is evenly coated.  You can do this in a shallow bowl, rub it in with your hands or toss it in a Ziploc bag; whatever is easiest for you.

We use the grill when making this; a broiler is totally fine as well.  If using the broiler, you want your rack to be 6 inches or so from the flame.  No need to crispy char the outside.  Cook for 5 minutes on side one then flip over for five more minutes.

While that’s cooking it’s time to make the sauce.  No boxed chicken spice ever included a sauce, I’m looking at you Shake ‘n Bake.  Put honey and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and stir until it’s completely combined.

When the timer dings for side two, brush the sauce over side one, return to grill or broiler for one more minute.  Do the same for side two.  Viola!  Your perfectly sweet and spicy chicken is ready for devouring.

One thing I love (LOVE) about this dish is the versatility.  If we’re going for a savory theme, try pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes.  If sweet is what we’re after, then cornbread casserole is the perfect side dish.  We’ve also gone the more healthy route and laid the chicken on a bed of lettuce.  It’s even good with rice, although if I’m having a starchy side dish, I’m not wasting it on plain old white rice.

I just know this is going to rocket to the top of your go-to weeknight dinner list and can’t wait to read about it in the comments!

Print Recipe

Honey Spicy Chicken

Recipe Credit: Tracey’s Culinary Adventures

• 6-8 boneless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 Tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Preheat your grill or broiler.  If grilling, heat to medium/high heat.  If broiling, place an oven rack about 6 inches below it.

Stir together the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Add to chicken thighs and toss to coat.

Grill or broil the chicken for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip over and grill or broil for 5 more minutes on the second side. Brush one side of the chicken with half of the honey mixture and broil for 1 minute, then flip the chicken and brush the other side with the remaining honey mixture. Return to the oven and broil for 1 more minute (or until chicken is cooked through).

Pair with your favorite side dish and enjoy!