Spicy Honey Chicken – Sweet and Smoky Grilled Chicken
Coat boneless chicken thighs with oil and a smoky homemade spice rub.Grill until nearly cooked, then brush with a honey and apple cider vinegar glaze.Finish grilling until juicy, caramelized, and cooked to 165°F.
Ingredients
- - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Spice Rub
- - 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- - 2 teaspoons chili powder
- - 1 teaspoon onion powder
- - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- - ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Honey Glaze
- - ½ cup honey
- - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Combine the granulated garlic, chili powder, onion powder, coriander, kosher salt, cumin, and chipotle chili powder in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a large bowl. Add the vegetable oil and toss until lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken. Toss thoroughly until the thighs are evenly coated on all sides.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey for about 15–20 seconds, just until it becomes easier to stir. Mix in the apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the glaze in a clean bowl for serving. Keep this portion separate from anything that will touch raw or partially cooked chicken.
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nearly cooked through.
- During the final few minutes of grilling, generously brush both sides with the remaining honey glaze. Watch carefully because the honey can caramelize quickly over high heat.
- Continue grilling until the glaze is sticky and lightly caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the Spicy Honey Chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with the clean reserved honey glaze before serving.
Notes
Boneless chicken breasts can replace chicken thighs, although cooking times will vary.
Avocado oil or another neutral high-heat cooking oil can replace vegetable oil.
If you don't have chipotle chili powder, use additional regular chili powder and a small amount of smoked paprika for a similar smoky character with less heat.
Serve the chicken with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, corn, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
Avocado oil or another neutral high-heat cooking oil can replace vegetable oil.
If you don't have chipotle chili powder, use additional regular chili powder and a small amount of smoked paprika for a similar smoky character with less heat.
Serve the chicken with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, corn, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.