Spicy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs

Spicy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs bring the bold heat, irresistible sweetness, and juicy roasted perfection every home cook craves. These flavorful thighs are coated in a smoky-spicy rub with a hint of honey and roasted until the skin turns deeply golden and crispy. Best of all? They’re oven-ready in minutes and deliver restaurant-level flavor with almost no effort.

This simple dinner is a must for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with something that looks fancy—but isn’t. Serve them up with roasted veggies, salad, or a quick side of mashed potatoes, and dinner is done.

Did you know that roasting bone-in, skin-on chicken has been a classic technique for centuries? It locks in moisture, crisps the skin, and deepens flavor as the bone radiates heat through the meat. The combo of spice and honey adds a modern, crave-worthy twist.

So if you’re in the mood for something comforting, crispy, and unforgettable, these Spicy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs are calling your name.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

2. Season the chicken:
In a large bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, coating all sides thoroughly.

3. Arrange and roast:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden and crispy, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 175°F (80°C).

4. Rest and serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: This cut gives the juiciest result and crispiest skin. Don’t skip it!
• Dry the Skin First: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure ultra-crispy skin while roasting.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice comfort—½ tsp for mild, 1 tsp+ for serious heat lovers.