Description
Sticky, spicy, and ready in 30 minutes, these skillet hot honey peach chicken thighs are a one-pan dinner with bold flavor. Glazed in a chili-spiked honey sauce and optionally finished with fresh peaches, they’re quick, easy, and family-approved.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup honey*
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes*
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 fresh, firm but not too firm peaches, sliced (optional - great when in season!)
- Garnish: Fresh thyme leaves, fresh rosemary roughly minced, sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it’s deeply golden, lightly charred, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside in a warm place.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Deglaze pan with apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and cayenne if using. Simmer 1–2 minutes until bubbly, stirring frequently.
- If using peaches: Add the peaches to the skillet and cook another 2–3 minutes until softened but still holding their shape, stirring frequently.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until chicken is warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme, rosemary, sea salt flakes, and any extra crushed chili flakes as desired.
Notes
Honey – I like to use wildflower honey—it’s just a touch sweeter and has a richer depth than most varieties. Clover honey is a great choice too (and the most common at most grocery stores).
Peaches – Fresh, ripe-but-firm peaches work best so they hold their shape in the sauce. No peaches? Skip them! The hot honey glaze holds its own year-round.
Spice level – You’re in control here. Use less red pepper flakes or skip the cayenne for a milder sauce. For extra kick, swap in a spoonful of chili crisp or add a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American