If you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and ultra-satisfying, this Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken is going to hit the spot. It’s easy to make, super flavorful, and works in the air fryer or oven!
Whether you’re serving it with rice, veggies, or just grabbing a few saucy bites straight from the plate, this hot honey sriracha chicken recipe is an easy win for weeknights or casual weekends.
What is Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken?
Hot honey sriracha chicken is a bold and delicious dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet heat. It starts with juicy chicken thighs marinated in a mix of soy sauce, hot honey, and sriracha, then air-fried (or baked) until tender and caramelized.
The chicken is smothered in a sticky, garlicky honey sriracha sauce that will leave you wanting more. If you've never tried this hot honey sriracha chicken recipe before, this one is easy enough to become your go-to weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe
- Easy to make: The marinade is just a quick mix, and the air fryer does most of the work for you.
- Bold flavor: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and garlicky all in one bite — it checks all the boxes.
- Versatile cooking methods: You can make this in the air fryer, oven, or pan — whatever works for you.
- Perfect for meal prep: It holds up well for leftovers and tastes just as great the next day.
- Customizable heat level: You control the spice with how much sriracha you add.
If you like this chicken recipe, then check out my Honey Butter Chicken and Gochujang Chicken Thighs recipes!
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these stay tender and are ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to both the chicken and the sticky glaze.
- Hot Honey: Brings sweetness and a touch of heat to balance the savory flavors.
- Sriracha: Packs a punch with just the right amount of chili heat.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory layer to the chicken marinade.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the meat.
- Rice Vinegar: Lends a mild acidity to the sauce for a little tang.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic in the sauce adds bold, aromatic flavor.
- Water: Thins out the sauce to help it simmer and reduce smoothly.
- Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken into a glossy, sticky finish.
Customizations
- Swap the Protein: Boneless chicken breasts or tofu can be used instead of thighs for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Add a Veggie: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli to roast or air fry alongside the chicken.
- Make It Milder: Reduce the sriracha or use a mild chili sauce if you’re sensitive to heat.
How to Make Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with soy sauce, hot honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and salt.
Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight if you’re planning ahead.
Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer or Oven
Preheat your air fryer to 425°F. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the basket in a single layer (you might need to cook in batches).
Air fry for 11–14 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through to an internal temp of at least 165°F.
If using the oven, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or pan-fry on each side for 5–6 minutes.
Make the Hot Honey Sriracha Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together hot honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl or measuring cup.
Heat this mixture in a small pan over medium heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until it thickens into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done, pour the hot honey sriracha sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Save a little extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Serve your hot honey sriracha chicken with fluffy white rice, steamed veggies, or your favorite sides.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Tips
- Don’t skip the marinate time: Even 15 minutes makes a difference in flavor — but overnight really takes it up a notch.
- Use a thermometer: Always check that the chicken hits at least 165°F to be safe and juicy.
Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Hot Honey Sriracha Sauce
- ¼ cup hot honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sriracha adjust to your taste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, soy sauce, hot honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and salt. Marinate for 15 mins up to overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 425F for a few mins. Add chicken thighs (don’t overcrowd and cook in batches as needed) and air fry for 11-14 mins until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165F or more). For alternate cooking methods, see notes below.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine hot honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, water, and corn starch in a cup or bowl and set aside. In a small pan on medium heat, add the sauce and cook down for 1-2 mins until thickened like syrup. Remove and set aside.
- Once chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken and coat evenly (save a little sauce for dipping later). Serve chicken with fluffy white rice, veggies, and other sides you desire.
Frank says
Absolutely delicious. 6 stars. Going to try the sauce as a bbq sauce it was so good.
Herman says
Thank you so much for the feedback and kind review! So glad you enjoyed it!
Cristina says
This marinade is top notch! I prepped the chicken first thing in the morning at after 8 hours I pan fried them. After 5 mins on each side, they were beautifully caramelized. I also assembled and cooked the sauce in the morning and reheated just before finishing the chicken. I didn’t add sriracha to the sauce. It is so delicious and the perfect amount of heat for me with the hot honey. I will make this dish over and over again.
Herman says
So glad you liked it and great idea to meal prep it earlier in the day! Thanks so much for the positive review!
Roger says
Greetings from Puerto Rico, I want to do this recipe so bad, but I don't have rice vinegar. Is there a substitute or simply I don't add any. Thanks so much
Herman says
Hi Roger, you can substitute with regular vinegar!
Wildcat says
Made it tonite. It was awesome!
Herman says
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
PGuerr says
Is there an alternate for the hot honey?
Herman says
You can use regular honey if you dont like it spicy.
Susan Tunnicliffe says
I ran out of soy sauce for the sauce part. Any suggestions?
Herman says
You can use coconut aminos, tamari, or oyster sauce (thin out with a little bit of water with oyster sauce).