Roasted Chicken Thighs With Hot Honey and Lime
Roasted chicken thighs with hot honey and lime offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making them a standout dish. The skin crisps up beautifully as the chicken roasts, ensuring each bite is full of texture and richness.
A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, while a hot sauce butter mixture adds a spicy kick halfway through. The final touch of honey, lime zest, and lime juice elevates this dish with a refreshing finish.
Perfectly paired with a cucumber salad or coleslaw, these chicken thighs are a versatile and mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re craving heat or sweetness, this recipe delivers on both fronts.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime: Ingredients
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs form the hearty, juicy base of this dish, offering rich flavor and perfect crispiness when roasted. The balance of salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powders elevates the natural savoriness of the chicken. Hot sauce brings a bold, spicy kick, while melted butter adds depth and richness. Honey delivers a touch of sweetness, perfectly complementing the heat. Lime zest infuses a fresh, zesty aroma, and a squeeze of lime juice brightens the entire dish with its tangy finish.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime: Recipe Tips
- Achieving Perfect Crispiness
For that irresistible crispy skin, ensure your chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so removing excess water will help the skin brown beautifully during roasting. If you’re looking for extra crisp, try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get that perfect golden finish. - Adjusting the Heat
Hot sauce can vary significantly in spice level, so choose one that matches your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a gentler hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana Hot Sauce. If you crave a fiery kick, go for Tabasco or your favorite spicy variety. Adjusting the amount of hot sauce is also a simple way to customize the heat level. - Resting the Chicken
After you remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. It also helps maintain the crispiness of the skin, keeping your dish deliciously flavorful.
What to Serve with Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime
- Cucumber Salad
A cool, refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect side to balance the spicy-sweet chicken thighs. Toss thinly sliced cucumbers with red onion, a touch of vinegar, and a sprinkle of dill for a crisp contrast to the heat. The crunch and acidity of the salad will refresh your palate after every bite of the bold chicken. - Coleslaw
A creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots is another great pairing. The sweetness of the dressing, whether mayo-based or vinegar-based, complements the heat of the chicken while providing a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken skin. - Roasted Vegetables
For a more substantial side, try roasting vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables enhances the honey-lime glaze on the chicken, creating a well-rounded, comforting meal. Add a bit of olive oil and your favorite herbs to enhance the flavors and tie the dish together.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer, as boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in varieties.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want an extra kick, use a hotter variety of hot sauce like Tabasco or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken thighs in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and then brush with the honey-lime mixture before serving.
4. What other sides go well with this chicken?
In addition to cucumber salad, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables, you could serve this chicken with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or grilled corn for a more filling meal. The versatility of this dish allows it to pair well with a variety of sides depending on your preference.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Unsalted or salted butter melted
- Hot sauce choose based on your heat preference
- Lime
- Mild honey
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. On a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, generously season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet, skin-side up, and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned.
- Step 2
- While the chicken roasts, combine the melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl, whisking them together. Transfer half of the mixture to a separate bowl for later use. After the chicken has roasted for 20 minutes, brush the remaining butter-hot sauce mixture over the chicken thighs. Continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Step 3
- Zest the lime, then slice it in half. Add the honey and one teaspoon of lime zest to the reserved butter-hot sauce mixture, whisking it until smooth. Brush this mixture over the roasted chicken thighs, and finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor.