Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Bites

These Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. Juicy chicken thighs are broiled to perfection and coated in a glossy harissa-honey glaze that makes them irresistible. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or quick weeknight dinner, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with protein from tender chicken thighs

• Perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky flavor

• Easy one-sheet pan preparation with minimal cleanup

• Ready in just 25 minutes, making it great for busy nights

• Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
3 tablespoons harissa paste
3 tablespoons hot honey, divided
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to broil with the rack in the upper third. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

2. Toss the chicken pieces with oil and ½ teaspoon salt on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer. Broil until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.

3. While the chicken cooks, whisk together harissa paste, 2 tablespoons honey, paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 1 minute, until bubbling. Stir in butter and lemon juice until smooth. Reserve 1½ tablespoons of the sauce.

4. Transfer chicken to the bowl of sauce and toss to coat. Discard any excess liquid from the baking sheet, then spread the coated chicken back onto it. Broil until deeply browned, glossy, and cooked through (165°F internal temp), about 3–4 minutes.

5. Transfer chicken to a platter. Brush with reserved sauce, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10

• Active Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.

• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.

• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the pan for a complete meal.

• Serve with cooling sides like tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt for balance.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the chicken dry.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but may cook slightly faster since they are leaner.

What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?

You can mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a medium level of heat from the harissa and hot honey, but you can adjust by using less harissa.

Can I grill the chicken instead of broiling?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat, then toss in the sauce before serving.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as vegan butter or olive oil.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.

What should I serve with these chicken bites?

They pair well with rice, couscous, flatbread, or a crisp green salad.

Can I make these chicken bites less sweet?

Yes, reduce the honey by half or leave off the drizzle at the end.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Yes, once cooked, cool the chicken bites and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Use chicken thighs, avoid overcooking, and make sure to coat with the sauce after broiling for extra moisture.

Conclusion

Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Bites are the ultimate appetizer or quick dinner that combines bold flavor with easy preparation. With the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, they’ll impress at any gathering or satisfy on a busy weeknight.

Print