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Irresistible Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

crispy honey sriracha chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy chicken thighs with a perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy sriracha sauce, delivering a sticky, spicy, and addictive flavor with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (avocado oil preferred for high smoke point)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Press lightly to ensure contact with the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes without moving them until a deep golden crust forms.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes to get some color on the flesh side.
  5. Transfer the skillet or move the chicken to an oven-safe dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the chicken bakes, whisk together the sauce: combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger if using. Adjust sriracha to taste.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and spoon the sauce over each piece.
  8. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and thicken slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning; cover loosely with foil if needed.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even heat circulation. Watch the sauce carefully during the final glaze step to prevent burning. Rest chicken after cooking for juicy results. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

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