Spice up your dinner routine with these irresistible hot honey chicken recipes that pack the perfect punch of sweet and heat! Whether you’re craving crispy wings, sticky glazed thighs, or a quick weeknight stir-fry, we’ve got 18 sizzling twists to turn up the flavor. Get ready to drizzle, dip, and devour—your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
These sticky-sweet wings pack just the right amount of heat, with a glossy glaze that clings to every crispy bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chicken wings with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss baked wings in the glaze until fully coated. Return to baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
The magic here? The double-hit of heat from both the hot sauce and pepper flakes creates layers of spice that balance the honey’s sweetness.
Tip: For extra-crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tacos
Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tacos
These tacos pack the perfect punch—sweet, spicy, and loaded with crispy chicken that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Reserve 2 tbsp of the sauce for drizzling later.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes until sticky.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each with chicken, then top with shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle with reserved sauce.
The magic here? The hot honey glaze caramelizes on the chicken, creating crispy edges with a sticky-sweet heat that balances the cool crunch of cabbage.
Tip: For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce—or serve with extra hot sauce on the side!
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders deliver the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness—ideal for game day or a weeknight treat.
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey (or 1/2 cup honey + 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- In a bowl, soak chicken tenders in 1 cup buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Drizzle or toss the tenders with 1/2 cup hot honey while still warm.
The magic here? The buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy while the hot honey adds a sticky, spicy kick that’s downright addictive.
Tip: For extra crispiness, double-dredge the tenders—dip them back in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles
This Southern-inspired dish combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, all drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey for the ultimate comfort food mashup.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup waffle mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, whisk 1 cup waffle mix with 3/4 cup water, 1 egg, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Cook in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions until crisp.
- In a small saucepan, warm 1/4 cup honey with 1 tbsp hot sauce over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Serve chicken over waffles, drizzled generously with hot honey.
The magic here is in the contrast: juicy, spice-rubbed chicken against sweet, fluffy waffles, with that addictive hot honey tying it all together.
Tip: For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded thighs rest 10 minutes before frying.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Skewers
These skewers pack the perfect punch—sweet, spicy, and smoky from the grill, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp hot honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
- Thread chicken onto skewers (if using wooden ones, soak in water for 30 minutes first).
- Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 5–6 minutes per side, until charred and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Drizzle with extra hot honey and serve with lime wedges for a bright finish.
The magic here? The hot honey caramelizes into a sticky glaze while the smoky paprika balances the heat—no boring chicken skewers allowed!
Tip: For extra char, resist flipping too early. Let the grill work its magic!
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Pizza
This sweet-and-spicy pizza combines smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and a drizzle of hot honey for a crave-worthy twist on a classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle, then transfer to a greased baking sheet. Brush the dough with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Spread 1/2 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, then top with shredded chicken, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and drizzle with 2 tbsp hot honey. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
The hot honey caramelizes slightly on the hot pizza, balancing the smoky BBQ with a spicy-sweet kick that’s downright addictive.
Tip: For extra crispiness, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the dough.
Hot Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
This sweet-spicy stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, with sticky honey glaze clinging to crispy chicken and crisp-tender veggies—weeknight magic!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add bell pepper and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Push veggies to one side; add 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ginger, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Stir sauce for 30 seconds until bubbly.
- Return chicken to skillet, tossing everything until glossy and coated, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds if using.
The magic here? The honey caramelizes into a lacquered glaze that balances heat from the sriracha—no takeout compares!
Tip: For extra crunch, add a handful of cashews with the veggies.
Baked Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
These sticky-sweet, spicy chicken thighs are a weeknight hero—minimal prep, maximum flavor, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne. Rub mixture evenly over chicken thighs.
- Arrange thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Brush half the hot honey glaze over chicken thighs. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and bake 5–10 minutes until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 175°F.
The magic here? The glaze seeps under the crispy skin, creating pockets of spicy-sweet goodness in every bite.
Tip: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving—the glaze will cling better!
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
This crispy, sweet-and-spicy sandwich packs a punch with golden fried chicken drizzled in sticky hot honey—perfect for when you crave bold flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey (or 1/2 cup honey + 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper)
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, soak chicken breasts in buttermilk for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F). Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then fry for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
- Brush fried chicken generously with hot honey. Spread mayonnaise on toasted buns, then layer with lettuce and honey-glazed chicken.
The magic here? The hot honey caramelizes slightly on the crispy chicken, creating a glossy, fiery-sweet crust that’s downright addictive.
Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey while warming it.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad
This sweet-and-spicy chicken salad is the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a kick of heat—ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping straight from the bowl!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey + 1/4 tsp cayenne)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp hot honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Fold gently to coat.
- Just before serving, stir in the 1/4 cup toasted pecans for crunch (this keeps them from getting soggy).
- Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.
The hot honey glaze caramelizes slightly on the chicken, creating little pockets of sticky-spicy goodness in every bite.
Tip: For extra heat, drizzle with extra hot honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas
Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas
These spicy-sweet quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser, with crispy tortillas hugging tender chicken and melty cheese—perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup hot honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with half the chicken mixture and another 1/2 cup cheese, then fold the tortilla over.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, pressing lightly with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice into wedges and garnish with chopped cilantro (if using).
The magic here is the hot honey—it caramelizes slightly as the quesadilla cooks, creating a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that’s downright addictive.
Tip: For extra crunch, brush the tortillas with a little extra olive oil before cooking.
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These spicy-sweet lettuce wraps are packed with bold flavor and come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or 3 tbsp honey + 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, for 5–6 minutes until no pink remains.
- Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 1/4 cup hot honey and stir to coat the chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
- Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce leaves, then top with scallions and sesame seeds.
The magic here? The hot honey glaze clings to every bite, balancing heat and sweetness against the cool, crisp lettuce.
Tip: For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or chopped peanuts right before serving.
Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowl
This sweet-spicy chicken bowl is a weeknight hero—packed with bold flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or 3 tbsp honey + 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in hot honey, soy sauce, and lime juice, tossing until chicken is glossy (about 1 minute).
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with chicken, avocado slices, and cilantro.
The magic here? The hot honey glaze caramelizes into a sticky, fiery-sweet crust that clings perfectly to tender chicken.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or quick-pickled red onions!
Hot Honey Chicken Flatbread
This Hot Honey Chicken Flatbread is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory—ready in under 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or game-day snack.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 store-bought flatbreads (or naan)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Place flatbreads on a baking sheet. Top evenly with mozzarella, cooked chicken, and feta. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp.
- Drizzle hot honey over the flatbreads, then garnish with red onion and cilantro. Slice and serve immediately.
The magic here is in the contrast—crispy flatbread, juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and that addictive hot honey kick.
Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken while cooking.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
These sliders pack a punch with crispy chicken, spicy-sweet honey glaze, and buttery brioche buns—perfect for game day or weeknight cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey (or 1/2 cup honey mixed with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 12 mini brioche buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dill pickle chips (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Toss hot chicken with hot honey until evenly coated.
- Brush buns with melted butter and toast for 2–3 minutes in the oven.
- Assemble sliders with chicken and pickles (if using). Serve immediately.
The magic here? The hot honey caramelizes on the crispy chicken, creating sticky, spicy-sweet layers that cling to every bite.
Tip: For extra crunch, air-fry the chicken at 375°F for 12 minutes instead of baking.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
This spicy-sweet twist on classic mac and cheese packs a punch with crispy chicken and a sticky hot honey glaze — comfort food with attitude!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup hot honey (like Mike’s Hot Honey)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (1 tsp salt total: 1/2 tsp for pasta water, 1/2 tsp for seasoning chicken)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water (1/2 tsp salt) for 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain.
- Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne until melted. Toss with macaroni.
- Chicken: Season chicken with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken until golden, 5–6 minutes. Drizzle with hot honey, tossing to coat.
- Assemble: Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish. Top with chicken and any pan drippings. Sprinkle with panko. Bake 15 minutes until bubbly and breadcrumbs are toasted.
The magic here? The hot honey caramelizes into a glossy glaze on the chicken, while the smoky cheese sauce balances the heat. Tip: For extra crunch, broil the panko topping for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Hot Honey Chicken Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a sweet-and-spicy twist on a classic, with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush the outside of the peppers with 1 tbsp olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, red onion, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Remove from heat and fold in the cooked rice, cheddar cheese, and 2 tbsp hot honey.
- Spoon the mixture into the peppers, packing lightly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges.
- Drizzle with extra hot honey before serving.
The hot honey caramelizes into a sticky glaze, balancing the smoky paprika and creamy cheese for a flavor-packed bite in every forkful.
Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the filling or use a spicier hot honey!
Hot Honey Chicken Parmesan
This twist on a classic combines crispy breaded chicken with spicy-sweet hot honey for a dish that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness.
- In separate bowls, place flour; beaten eggs; and a mix of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Top each piece with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with basil.
The hot honey caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding a sticky, fiery contrast to the gooey cheese and crispy crust.
Tip: For extra heat, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the honey before drizzling.
Conclusion
With 18 bold and creative twists on spicy hot honey chicken, this roundup is your ticket to flavor-packed meals that wow. Whether you crave heat, sweetness, or both, there’s a recipe here for you. Try one (or a few!) and let us know your favorite in the comments. Loved this list? Share the saucy inspiration on Pinterest—happy cooking!

I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.