Chili Honey Chicken Thighs

Heather says:

This easy recipe for baked chicken is extremely versatile, not only is it great for chicken thighs, it can be used on a cut-up whole chicken, and boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. This chili rub and honey brushing sauce would also be fantastic for grilled chicken.

The recipe is written for 4 – 5 lbs of chicken pieces or 3 lbs boneless, but it can easily be halved. Remember when halving a seasoning rub or a sauce for chicken pieces, this usually does not affect the cook time.  The instructions are written for bone-in chicken with the modification for boneless below. The recipe could also be altered for use in a slow cooker, but the chicken should be lightly browned before placing it in the crock, or it may end up quite pale and scary.

For those wondering if it’s kid friendly, my kids attacked it, with one asking for thirds.

Here’s a handy printable shopping list.

Chili Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chili Honey Chicken Thighs Ingredients:

Spice Rub

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika

Honey Sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 TBSP cider vinegar
• 1 pinch ~ or 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Baked bone-in chicken pieces:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.  Rub the chicken pieces generously with the spice mix and place in a shallow baking dish. (For 4.5lbs of chicken thighs I needed a 9×13 and a 9×9 square)

Combine the honey, 2 TBSP cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. drizzle over the chicken pieces.

Bake at 350° for 30 – 40 minutes. Once while cooking turn the thighs to baste in the pan juices. (The start skin side up, and are turned to coat in the juices and placed back skin side up) Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached165°F.

Boneless variation:

Use a broiler pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Place the spice coated chicken pieces on the broiling pan and broil for five minutes on each side. Then brush with the honey sauce and broil for one minute. Turn the chicken pieces over and brush with the honey sauce and broil for another minute or until the chicken is done.

Enjoy.

Suggested sides:

• Stove top macaroni and cheese
• Lentil Pilaf
• Steamed broccoli with optional cheese sauce
• Peas and almonds
• Rice and peas
• Sautéed cabbage
• Scalloped turnips and rutabaga
• Zucchini

Tagged as: Cheap Chicken Recipe, Chicken, Chicken Leg Quarters, Easy Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free, Recipe for Chicken Thighs