Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a perfect harmony of crispy textures and bold flavors. The chicken is coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust that bakes up beautifully in the oven, providing a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing any of the crunch. The star of the show is the hot honey sauce, which adds a sweet heat with just the right amount of tang. The best part? It’s all baked, making it a quicker and healthier option without compromising on taste. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to impress.

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)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set up a breading station: in one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast or thigh into the flour mixture, coating it completely. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick.
3. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss to coat the chicken in the sauce evenly.
6. Serve: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and optional sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• More Spice: For those who love extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey to your preferred sweetness level. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey and add a little more vinegar or lemon juice for tang.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat on a baking sheet to maintain the crunchy coating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How can I make the chicken even crunchier?

For an extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and breadcrumbs after the first coat. This will create an even thicker and crunchier crust.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce, such as sriracha, buffalo sauce, or a more mild variety depending on your spice preference.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can fry the chicken in a deep fryer or skillet with vegetable oil, but baking is a healthier option that still gives you a crispy texture.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before using.

Can I freeze the chicken?

While the breaded chicken can be frozen before baking, it’s best to freeze the chicken uncoated in the hot honey sauce. After baking, the sauce may lose some of its texture when frozen.

Can I make this dish without the hot sauce?

If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce. You can substitute it with a bit of mustard or use a sweeter honey glaze for a more traditional flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! You can serve this with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much hot sauce and red pepper flakes you use. Adjust the ingredients to suit your heat preference.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, spicy sauce. With its easy preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a great option for any meal. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings for something savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy. Enjoy the crunchy goodness and bold flavors in every bite!

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