If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, these Hot Honey Chicken Thighs with Skillet Corn are an absolute must-try. This recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, perfectly seared to golden perfection. Paired with vibrant skillet corn sautéed with red onions, garlic, and smoked paprika, this meal delivers a delightful harmony of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and packed with all the right flavors to keep everyone coming back for seconds.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Bold flavor combination: The hot honey glaze offers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat that elevates the tender chicken thighs.
One-skillet simplicity: Cooking the chicken and corn together minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
Juicy, crispy chicken: Bone-in thighs stay moist and develop a beautifully crisp skin when seared properly.
Fresh, vibrant sides: Skillet corn with red onions and smoked paprika adds a smoky sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Versatile and approachable: Great for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking to impress with minimal fuss.

What to Buy

4 bone-in chicken thighs: Choose skin-on for the best crispy texture and juicy meat.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
Hot honey sauce: A blend of honey infused with chili peppers; you can find this bottled or make your own at home.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Fresh corn kernels: Approximately 2 cups, which is about 4 ears of corn; fresh is best but frozen can work in a pinch.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the skillet corn.
1 small red onion: Diced to add sweetness and a slight crunch to the corn.
Garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky undertone without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky aroma that pairs beautifully with the corn and chicken.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped for garnish and a fresh, herbal pop at the end.

Prep & Cook Tools

Large skillet or cast iron pan: Perfect for searing chicken and cooking the corn all in one pan.
Sharp knife: For dicing onions and chopping cilantro with precision.
Cutting board: A clean, sturdy surface for prep work.
Measuring spoons and cups: To get your seasoning and ingredients just right.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping the chicken and stirring the corn without breaking the kernels.

Stepwise Method: Hot Honey Chicken Thighs with Skillet Corn

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Pat the 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning forms the base for all the layers of flavor to come.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Skillet Corn

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and melt it. Toss in the diced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the fresh corn kernels along with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the corn to become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Combine and Glaze

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the corn. Pour ¼ cup of hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Allow everything to cook together for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken and corn for a bright, herbal finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side or enjoy it as a standalone meal packed with vibrant flavors.

Seasonal Serving Ideas

Pair with a fresh green salad during summer for a light, refreshing contrast.
Serve alongside roasted root vegetables in the fall to complement the smoky paprika and honey heat.
Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome, balanced meal any time of year.
For a Southern-inspired twist, add a side of Skillet Cornbread to soak up the delicious hot honey sauce.

Pro Perspective

When cooking bone-in chicken thighs, the key to juicy meat and crispy skin lies in proper searing and temperature control. Starting with a hot pan and dry chicken skin ensures a golden crust that locks in moisture. Using a combination of sweet and spicy elements like hot honey sauce adds complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing; give each thigh room to crisp up evenly.
Rest the chicken briefly after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Fresh corn kernels provide a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the heat—try to use fresh when possible.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the chicken’s crisp skin and juicy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.

If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the cilantro garnish first and freeze the chicken and corn separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

One Pan, More Ideas

Try the Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Potatoes for another flavorful one-pan poultry dinner.
For a vegetable-packed side, check out Honey Garlic Acorn Squash Wedges to complement your chicken.
If you enjoy skillet meals, the Skillet Cornbread makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up sauces and juices.

Hungry for More?

If you love the vibrant flavor combo in this Hot Honey Chicken Thighs with Skillet Corn recipe, there’s a whole world of bold and easy skillet meals waiting for you. From sweet and savory glazes to smoky spices and fresh herbs, these dishes bring comfort and excitement to your table with minimal effort. Keep experimenting with different spice blends, sides, and garnishes to make each dinner uniquely yours.

This recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular with a little heat, a touch of sweetness, and a whole lot of love. Gather your skillet, fire up the stove, and dive into this delicious, juicy meal that’s sure to become a fast favorite.

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