Name: Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced into 1-2 inch pieces; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons corn starch (or more, as needed); 3 tablespoons hot honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder); 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime); 1 tablespoon olive oil (or garlic herb butter or sesame oil); Chopped scallions for garnish; Cooked rice, for serving; Steamed veggies or broccoli florets, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you love the perfect blend of sweet heat and tender, juicy chicken, this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s unbelievably easy to make but packed with bold, vibrant flavors—from the crispy, cornstarch-coated chicken to the luscious, tangy hot honey sauce that gives just the right kick. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three main layers: golden-brown crispy chicken pieces with a slightly shiny texture are piled on the front left side; steamed white rice with a soft, fluffy look is on the right side; and bright green broccoli florets with a fresh, textured surface sit behind the chicken and rice layers. Above the bowl, a wooden honey dipper is held, dripping amber-colored honey onto the chicken pieces. The background is a white marbled surface, soft and blurred, keeping focus on the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to creating that irresistible balance of flavors in the Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. Each element plays an important role: the cornstarch gives the chicken a crispy texture, hot honey injects a spicy-sweet punch, and lime juice adds a bright tang that lifts the whole dish.

Chicken breast (1 lb, diced): Choose fresh, lean cuts for tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Salt and pepper (¼ teaspoon or more): Basic seasonings that amplify the natural flavor of the chicken.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, plus extra if needed): Creates a light, crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds healthy fat and helps crisp the chicken; can be swapped for garlic herb butter or sesame oil for extra flavor.
Hot honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the show, providing that perfect spicy-sweet balance that defines this recipe.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a savory depth and umami richness which complements the honey’s sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder): Adds aromatic warmth and layers of flavor.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon, from about half a lime): Brightens the dish and balances out the richness.
Chopped scallions for garnish: Fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a nice crunch and pop of color.
Cooked rice and steamed veggies: Essential sides that complete the meal into a nourishing experience.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. Toss the chicken with cornstarch in a medium bowl until every piece has a light dusting; this step is crucial for that crispy texture when cooked. If needed, add a bit more cornstarch so the coating isn’t too thin.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Make sure to stir well so the honey is fully integrated with the other ingredients rather than sticking to the bottom of the bowl. This sauce will be your flavor bomb!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over high heat and add your olive oil or preferred cooking fat. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer, cooking them undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Carefully flip and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized on all sides.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the hot honey soy sauce over the chicken and stir-fry for about a minute so everything blends perfectly. For a thicker glaze, lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes. This sticky coating is what makes this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe so irresistibly good!

Step 5: Optional Hot Honey Veggies

If you want to elevate your meal, steam broccoli florets or mixed veggies until they’re tender-crisp. Remove the chicken from the skillet first to avoid burning the sauce, then toss the steamed veggies into the skillet with the sauce over medium heat. Stir-fry them just a minute or two so they get lightly coated. Serve alongside or on top of the chicken over steaming rice.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with three layers: at the bottom is a layer of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture; on one side, bright green broccoli florets with a slightly shiny surface; on top, golden-brown crispy tofu cubes coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with slices of fresh green onion. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped scallions on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness. An extra drizzle of hot honey on the finished dish adds visual appeal and an extra burst of sweetness and spice that your taste buds will crave.

Side Dishes

Steamed rice is a classic pairing, as it soaks up all the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a complete meal, add steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. You can also serve it alongside a crunchy Asian slaw to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a lighter, fun finger food option. Alternatively, pile it atop warm naan or flatbread with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a casual, fusion-style meal. It also works beautifully tossed with noodles or grain bowls for a wholesome, colorful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together maintains that delicious sticky coating, so they’re ready to reheat when you need a quick meal.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well if you pack it properly. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your Hot Honey Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra hot honey if the sauce feels dry. Avoid the microwave if possible, as reheating too quickly can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have a bit more fat, which can make the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Is hot honey spicy? How can I control the heat level?

Hot honey usually has a moderate heat level that balances sweetness with spicy kick. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For a milder version, use regular honey or reduce the amount of hot honey.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so the recipe is easily adaptable.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch or arrowroot powder work well as alternatives to give the chicken that nice crispy texture.

How long does it take to make the Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner. It’s a great option when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe, you won’t want to go back to plain chicken again. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and packed with nourishing goodness all at once—plus, it’s so easy to prepare. Next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different that comes together fast, give this recipe a whirl and get ready for some serious cravings!