Southern-Style Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs Recipe
You have got to try my Baked Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs Recipe. If you’re a fan of Southern flavors and crave a delightful twist on your usual chicken recipe, then you’re in for a treat!
Our Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs recipe combines the best of both worlds, bringing together the irresistible combination of sweetness and spiciness. With a crispy baked texture, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs hold in the rich flavors, ensuring each bite is a burst of deliciousness.
When it comes to soulful, finger-licking goodness, few dishes can match the irresistible charm of Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs. This recipe flawlessly combines the fiery kick of southern flavors with a delectable twist that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The secret to these delectable chicken thighs lies in the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. A harmonious blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices creates an irresistible marinade that infuses the meat with a tantalizing taste.
The heat from cayenne pepper or hot sauce adds a delightful kick, perfectly complementing the sweetness. It’s a mouthwatering flavor combination that will leave you craving more.
Bone-In and Skin-On for Optimal Flavor:
For the ultimate taste experience, we recommend using bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. Why? Well, the bone not only adds depth to the flavor but also helps retain moisture, resulting in tender and succulent meat.
And let’s not forget about the skin! It crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful contrast to the tender meat beneath. This combination ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.
Unlock the Secret to Perfect Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs
To complete your meal, pair these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs with classic southern sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or fluffy mashed potatoes.
The coolness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken, while cornbread or mashed potatoes perfectly soak up any extra sauce on your plate. Don’t be shy about adding some pickles on the side; their tangy crunch will complement the flavors perfectly.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
These crispy baked chicken thighs are versatile enough to be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a cozy family dinner, or even preparing a game day feast, these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs will be a hit.
The combination of flavors and the crispy texture make them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Bring the flavors of the South to your table with these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and a perfect balance between sweet and heat is sure to be a new dinner time favorite in your house.
Southern Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- 1 large bowl for marinating
- 1 large baking pan
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in & skin on chicken thighs
- 2 cups of hot honey
- 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey mustard, hot honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and use your hands to massage the marinade onto each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for an even more flavorful result.
- Once marinated, transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- You can even brush some extra marinade on them, once they are lined on the baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 - 45 minutes or until the chicken thighs are golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure they are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juiciness.
- Serve these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs as a main course with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, mac & cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread. The vibrant flavors and crispy texture will undoubtedly leave your guests craving for more!
