Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also gives you that satisfying crunch without deep-frying. Plus, you can adjust the heat level in the sauce to suit your taste.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
4. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
5. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
6. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
7. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp up.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
9. While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
10. If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.
11. When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like extra sauce, you can toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired.
13. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serve this dish warm right out of the oven. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad. The hot honey sauce adds a delicious sweet and spicy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the chicken crispy.

Tips to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Make sure to pat the chicken dry to help the coating stick better.
• Feel free to adjust the honey and hot sauce proportions based on your preferred sweetness and heat level.
• For an even crunchier texture, try using a mix of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes.

Variation

You can experiment with different spices in the flour mixture or add grated parmesan cheese to the panko for extra flavor. For a healthier version, bake the chicken without the breadcrumbs, or use whole wheat flour and oats.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken wings instead of breasts or thighs?
Yes, chicken wings can be used; just adjust the cooking time as they may require less time to bake.

2. Is the hot honey sauce very spicy?
The spice level in the hot honey sauce is adjustable. You can add more or less hot sauce according to your taste.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Print