Get ready to experience a burst of flavors with this Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs recipe. An ideal dish for those who fancy a combination of sweet and spicy. The juicy chicken legs are seasoned with spices, baked to perfection then glazed with a mouth-watering sriracha honey sauce.
This recipe uses common ingredients found in most kitchens. The key ingredient is Sriracha sauce, a type of hot chili sauce originating from Thailand, known for its fiery yet slightly sweet taste. You may need to get it from the supermarket if it's not readily available at home. Don't forget the chicken legs, the star of our dish. They can be found in the meat section of any grocery store.
Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs Ingredients
Chicken legs: The star of our dish, chicken legs are loved for their juicy and flavorful meat.
Olive oil: Used for its health benefits and ability to keep the chicken moisturized while baking.
Ground thyme: A herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Gives a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Ground paprika: Adds a sweet-spicy taste and a vibrant color to the chicken legs.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground black pepper: Gives a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the heat from the sriracha sauce.
Butter: Gives a rich, creamy texture to the sriracha honey sauce.
Sriracha sauce: Provides the dish with a fiery yet slightly sweet taste.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
One reader, Dasie Her says:
This sriracha honey glazed chicken legs recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is absolutely divine. The chicken comes out so tender and juicy, and the glaze adds the perfect amount of heat. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a little kick in their meal!
Cooking Techniques for Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
How to prepare the chicken: Combine the chicken legs, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then mix until the chicken is coated.
How to make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, butter, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
How To Make Sriracha Honey Chicken Legs
Baked for a healthier dish, this Korean-style chicken legs recipe serves crispy chicken tossed in honey-sriracha sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbschicken legs,skin removed
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1½tspground thyme
- 1½tspgarlic powder
- 1tspground paprika
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspground black pepper
- 3tbsphoney,raw
- 3tbspbutter
- 2tbspsriracha sauce
- 1½tbspsoy sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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Combine the chicken legs, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
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Mix in the chicken legs until coated, then arrange on the baking sheet.
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Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees F.
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Combine the honey, butter, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Pour the sauce into a large bowl. Transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to the bowl using tongs, then toss until coated with sauce.
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Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 679.65kcal
- Fat: 51.70g
- Saturated Fat: 16.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.49g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.71g
- Carbohydrates: 15.26g
- Fiber: 0.57g
- Sugar: 13.06g
- Protein: 38.10g
- Cholesterol: 233.82mg
- Sodium: 624.53mg
- Calcium: 32.02mg
- Potassium: 533.78mg
- Iron: 2.05mg
- Vitamin A: 151.38µg
- Vitamin C: 1.03mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
To ensure your chicken legs are fully coated in the sriracha honey glaze, consider using a pastry brush to apply the sauce. This allows for a more even distribution and ensures every nook and cranny of the chicken is covered, enhancing the overall flavor. Additionally, you might want to reserve some of the glaze and brush it on the chicken legs a few minutes before they're done baking. This will create a more caramelized and flavorful crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Chicken Legs Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot or pan to reduce cleanup time.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of the recipe and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient meals in the future.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to multitask effectively, such as chopping vegetables while the chicken is marinating or cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Sriracha Honey Chicken Legs Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
ground thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano provides a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor, complementing the other spices in the recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
ground paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the overall depth of the dish, similar to ground paprika.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor, which can replace the sweetness and stickiness of honey in the glaze.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee provides a rich, nutty flavor and has a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for butter in this recipe.
sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce offers a similar spicy kick and garlicky flavor, adding heat and depth to the glaze.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a rich umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
How to Present Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
Elevate the plating: Arrange the glazed chicken legs in a circular pattern on a large, white, round plate. Place a small bunch of fresh microgreens in the center of the plate to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken legs to add a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dish.
Play with height: Stack the glazed chicken legs on a bed of fluffy quinoa and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. This will add dimension and elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with flair: Add a few edible orchid petals around the plate for a touch of sophistication and a hint of floral aroma.
Use elegant dinnerware: Serve the dish on a sleek, modern porcelain platter to enhance the visual appeal and create a luxurious dining experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Glazed Chicken Legs
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for wrapping and covering food during cooking.
- Instant-read thermometer: A thermometer used to quickly measure the internal temperature of food, ensuring it is cooked to a safe level.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
Storing and Freezing Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
- Allow the chicken legs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the sriracha honey glazed chicken legs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the chicken legs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen sriracha honey glazed chicken legs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken legs on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Bake the thawed chicken legs for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the glaze to crisp up slightly.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken legs in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be aware that the glaze may not be as crispy when reheated in the microwave.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Legs
To reheat leftover sriracha honey glazed chicken legs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush a thin layer of olive oil or butter over the chicken to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method will help maintain the crispy exterior while ensuring the meat is heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken legs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the number of chicken legs and your microwave's power. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
If you want to reheat the chicken legs while maintaining the sticky, glazed exterior, use the stovetop method. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken legs in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. If the glaze starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the glaze from drying out or burning.
For a flavorful twist, reheat the chicken legs on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the chicken legs with a thin layer of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method will add a smoky flavor to the already delicious sriracha honey glaze.
Interesting Trivia About Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
The combination of sriracha honey glazed chicken legs creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a delicious and irresistible dish for any occasion.
Is Making Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs at Home Cost-Effective?
This sriracha honey glazed chicken legs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken legs, honey, and soy sauce, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a hit for family meals. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable and satisfying option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Chicken Legs Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sriracha honey glazed chicken legs recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Here's a breakdown:
Healthy elements:
- Chicken legs are a good source of protein
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- Spices like thyme, garlic powder, and paprika offer antioxidants and flavor without added calories
Unhealthy elements:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and honey, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess
- Sriracha sauce and soy sauce are high in sodium, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or heart disease
While the recipe has some nutritional benefits, it could be improved to make it healthier.
- Reduce the amount of butter and honey used in the glaze to lower the calorie and sugar content
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the overall sodium content
- Consider using skinless chicken legs to reduce the fat content
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe
Editor's Opinion on Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Legs
This sriracha honey glazed chicken legs recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The blend of thyme, garlic, and paprika adds depth to the chicken, while the honey, sriracha, and soy sauce glaze provides a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The cooking method ensures juicy, tender chicken with a crispy exterior. This dish is sure to impress with its bold and enticing flavors.
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Why trust this Sriracha Honey Chicken Legs Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a perfect balance of flavors, with the honey providing a touch of sweetness, the sriracha sauce adding a kick of heat, and the soy sauce enhancing the savory notes. The combination of thyme, garlic powder, and paprika ensures a rich and aromatic seasoning, while the butter adds a luscious finish. The use of olive oil not only helps in coating the chicken legs but also contributes to a beautiful golden-brown finish. Trust the expertise behind this recipe for a mouthwatering and satisfying chicken legs dish.
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