Spicy Jalapeño Honey Chicken 🌶🍯
This Spicy Jalapeño Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and bold flavors. Juicy, crispy chicken thighs are coated with a smoky, spicy rub and glazed with a honey-soy sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish. A pop of fresh jalapeño and cherry tomatoes adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Honey Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Topping & Garnish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
3. Add the Glaze & Bake:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes and sliced jalapeños around the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
4. Serve & Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes & Tips
- Want extra crispy skin? Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Thigh with Sauce)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 18g
Health Benefits
✅ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and satiety
✅ Antioxidant-Rich – Jalapeños and tomatoes provide vitamins A & C
✅ Heart-Healthy Fats – Olive oil and chicken skin add good fats
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Spices – Paprika, cumin, and cayenne aid digestion
Q&A
❓ Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts?
✔️ Yes! Reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes for boneless cuts.
❓ How can I make it less spicy?
✔️ Use 1 jalapeño instead of 2 and skip the cayenne pepper.
❓ Can I cook this in an air fryer?
✔️ Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Would you like any modifications to suit your preferences? 😊