If you’re looking to add a little sizzle to your dinner routine, you’ll fall in love with sweet and spicy grilled hot honey chicken. This recipe for 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs is the kind of dish that hits every crave-worthy note — smoky, sticky, just spicy enough, and so incredibly juicy. The hot honey glaze is bold but perfectly balanced, and grilling gives everything that irresistible charred edge. Whether it’s your next cookout, a quick weeknight meal, or you just want something that wakes up your palate, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite!

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When making this dish, the magic comes from a handful of pantry staples and a few superstar flavors. Each ingredient plays an important part in building layers of taste and ensuring the chicken is tender, beautifully glazed, and downright mouthwatering.

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy, quick-cooking bites that soak up all the flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spice blend stick, and ensures a gorgeous, golden exterior.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and vibrant color without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives that addictive, all-over savory flavor that pairs beautifully with honey.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Subtly deepens the seasoning, rounding out the savory profile.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing every other flavor to life.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle kick and balances the sweetness of the honey.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love an extra fiery punch, this is your secret weapon.
1/3 cup honey: Sticky, sweet, and perfect for caramelizing on the grill — the star of your hot honey sauce.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Choose your favorite for a level of heat that suits your palate; it melds perfectly with the honey.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Just enough acidity to cut through the richness and keep things lively.

How to Make 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This mixture is where the big flavors begin, creating a potent marinade that will soak right into the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, promising jaw-dropping taste with every bite.

Step 2: Coat the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Lay out your 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs on a plate or tray. Using your hands or a brush, coat each thigh thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, making sure no spot is left behind. This will help the thighs develop a beautifully seasoned crust while grilling, keeping all the juices locked inside.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In another small bowl, stir together the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This glossy, fiery-sweet sauce is the flavor bomb that takes your chicken to the next level. The honey gives luxurious stickiness, while the hot sauce and vinegar sharpen everything up. Set aside about half for brushing on during grilling, and save the remainder for drizzling at the end.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high so it’s ready and waiting. Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly on the grates, and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for lovely grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the final few minutes, generously brush with your hot honey sauce — it’ll bubble, glaze, and caramelize right before your eyes.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the thighs are cooked through and the glaze is all glossy and gorgeous, pull them off the grill. Give each a final drizzle of the extra hot honey sauce for that luscious finish. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so every bite is ultra-juicy.

How to Serve 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Garnishes

Elevate your plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or cilantro, which add a burst of color and brightness. A few thinly sliced scallions or a dusting of extra smoked paprika across the top turn these 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs from simple to stunning. For extra wow, add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken practically begs for easy sides that can soak up all that gorgeous hot honey sauce. A pile of fluffy rice or buttered corn on the cob are absolute classics, but you could just as easily go with crispy roasted potatoes, a tangy slaw, or a charred ear of street corn. Don’t forget some crusty bread for mopping up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pile them into soft, warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw, or layer pieces over a spring greens salad for a spicy-sweet lunch. You can also skewer the chicken before grilling for delicious party-ready bites. The glaze makes every option a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), store the cooled 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and mellow, making the chicken just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

Place extra chicken thighs in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment if needed. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoy that hot honey magic all over again.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, warm the chicken slowly in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Drizzle with any reserved sauce, or a quick blend of honey and hot sauce to revive that sticky-sweet glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well with this recipe, but you might want to adjust the cook time so they don’t dry out. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay extra juicy even if slightly overcooked.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The sauce as written brings a gentle heat that balances the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer things milder, start with a mild hot sauce and skip the cayenne. For extra kick, just add a touch more hot sauce or cayenne pepper!

Can I make these 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs without a grill?

Definitely. Use a grill pan on the stovetop, or even roast the chicken thighs under the broiler for a similar caramelized effect. You’ll still get fantastic flavors and that signature hot honey glaze.

What’s the best hot sauce for this recipe?

A classic like Frank’s RedHot works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavor and spice level. Sriracha or chipotle hot sauce will add extra dimension, so play around!

How do I tell when the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs are done?

The easiest way is with a meat thermometer — the safe internal temp is 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat will no longer be pink inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sweet and spicy grilled hot honey chicken made with 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs — the flavor, the juiciness, and that sticky glaze just can’t be beat. Fire up your grill and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both simple and unforgettable. Give it a try, and this just might become your favorite chicken recipe yet!

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Grilled Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines tender grilled chicken thighs with a flavorful blend of spices and a sticky, fiery hot honey sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Coat chicken thighs evenly with the seasoning mixture.
In another small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar to create the hot honey sauce.
Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
In the final 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the hot honey sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Remove from grill and drizzle with extra hot honey sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American