Grilled

Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

Name: Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs (680g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/4 cup (60g) honey; 2 tbsp (30g) sriracha sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro, optional; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika, optional; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, optional; 1/4 cup (60g) chicken broth, optional

By Rachel Cooper · June 18, 2026 · Grilled

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs — Sticky, finger-licking chicken thighs

There's something special about the combination of sweet and spicy flavors that just makes my family come back for more. That's why I'm excited to share with you my recipe for Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs, a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered in the backyard, waiting for the chicken to finish grilling. The aroma of honey and sriracha filled the air, and everyone's stomach was growling in anticipation.

When I finally brought out the chicken, the reaction was unanimous: this was a keeper. The combination of the sweet honey and the spicy sriracha was absolute perfection. And the best part? It was ready in under 40 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves chicken, and it's also a great option for those who are looking for a dish that's both easy to make and impressive to serve. Whether you're cooking for your family or a crowd, Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs are sure to be a hit.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of honey and sriracha is a game-changer. The sweetness of the honey balances out the heat of the sriracha, creating a flavor profile that's both sweet and spicy. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.
The combination of honey and sriracha is a game-changer, creating a flavor profile that's both sweet and spicy.
Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs are perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, ready in under 40 minutes.
This dish is also a great option for those who are looking for a recipe that's both easy to make and impressive to serve.
The chicken is tender and juicy, with a nice char on the outside from the grilling process.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of heat and sweetness to your liking.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors. The honey adds a sweetness that balances out the heat of the sriracha, while the chicken provides a nice base for the flavors to shine. The acidity in the sriracha also helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. Grilling the chicken gives it a nice char on the outside, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. And by cooking the chicken to the right internal temperature, we can ensure that it's safe to eat and tender.

The resting time after grilling is also crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. And finally, the garnish of fresh cilantro adds a nice freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the honey and sriracha.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken thighs, honey, sriracha, and some basic pantry staples. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores, and they're relatively inexpensive.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. This will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious.

1 1/2 lbs (680g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup (60g) honeyUse pure honey for the best flavor. You can also use a combination of honey and maple syrup if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
2 tbsp (30g) sriracha sauceAdjust the amount of sriracha to your taste, depending on how spicy you like your food. You can also use other hot sauces if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, but be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground black pepper if you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro, optionalUse fresh cilantro for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other herbs like parsley or basil if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika, optionalUse smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of paprika, such as sweet or hot paprika, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, optionalUse garlic powder to add an extra boost of garlic flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of garlic powder, such as roasted garlic powder, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) chicken broth, optionalUse chicken broth to add moisture and flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowl for marinating the chickenWhisk for mixing the marinadeMeasuring cups and spoons for accurate measurementsGrill or grill pan for cooking the chickenTongs or spatula for turning the chickenCutting board for chopping the cilantroKnife for mincing the garlic

How to Make Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
4
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5
While the chicken is cooking, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
6
After the chicken has cooked for 5 minutes on each side, brush the olive oil mixture on both sides of the chicken.
7
Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it's nicely charred and caramelized.
8
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
9
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
10
If using chicken broth, brush it on the chicken during the last minute of cooking to add extra moisture and flavor.
11
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender and flavorful.
12
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Don't press down on the chicken with your spatula while it's cooking, as this can cause the juices to escape and the chicken to become dry.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender and flavorful.
Use a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Consider using a grill pan on the stovetop if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
Make sure to whisk the marinade well before adding the chicken, as this will help to emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
Don't overmarinate the chicken, as this can cause it to become tough and dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the chicken rest long enough, which can cause it to become dry and tough.
Overcrowding the grill, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can cause the chicken to be undercooked or overcooked.
Pressing down on the chicken with your spatula while it's cooking, which can cause the juices to escape and the chicken to become dry.
Not whisking the marinade well before adding the chicken, which can cause the ingredients to separate and the marinade to be uneven.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot or Cholula, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by using more sriracha or adding in some diced jalapenos.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken breasts or pork chops, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some sweetness to the dish by using more honey or adding in some brown sugar.
Use different types of herbs, such as parsley or basil, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add some acidity to the dish by using some lemon juice or vinegar.
Use different types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, to change the flavor profile of the dish.

What to Serve With Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs are perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa. You can also serve them with some crusty bread or over a salad for a quick and easy meal.

Some other ideas for serving the chicken include:

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Quinoa or brown rice

Grilled or sautéed spinach

Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots

A simple green salad with your favorite toppings

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsQuinoa or brown riceGrilled or sautéed spinachRoasted sweet potatoes or carrotsA simple green salad with your favorite toppings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or plastic bag.

To reheat the chicken, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

When freezing the chicken, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for added protection.

To thaw the chicken, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, cook the chicken as you would normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for this recipe, as they are tender and juicy. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use other types of hot sauce?

Yes, you can use other types of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot or Cholula, to change the flavor profile of the dish.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours, but be careful not to overmarinate it, as this can cause it to become tough and dry.

What's the best way to reheat the chicken?

The best way to reheat the chicken is to place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I thaw the chicken?

To thaw the chicken, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, cook the chicken as you would normally.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include using different types of hot sauce, adding some heat to the dish, using different types of protein, or adding some sweetness to the dish.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Simply marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it.

The Full Recipe

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