Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken strikes the perfect balance between crispy, crunchy chicken and a sweet and spicy honey glaze. With a healthier oven-baked crust and a rich honey sauce that packs a punch, it’s a comforting yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The crunch from the panko breadcrumbs and the heat from the hot honey sauce make this chicken irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a healthier alternative to fried chicken without compromising on taste or texture. The hot honey sauce, with its spicy kick and sweetness, is the star of the show, perfectly complementing the crunchy chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, 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

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ 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.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, 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.
Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

3. Bake the Chicken

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.
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.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

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.
If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.

5. Glaze the Chicken

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.

6. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 330 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add a tangy twist: Add a bit of lemon zest to the hot honey sauce for an added citrusy flavor.

• Spicy version: If you like extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Cheesy version: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave if you prefer a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken wings instead of breasts or thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken wings for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as wings may cook a little faster than breasts or thighs.

2. Can I use a different kind of hot sauce?

Absolutely! You can use any hot sauce you like, such as sriracha, buffalo sauce, or even a homemade hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

4. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For an even crispier coating, lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil before baking and bake it on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.

5. Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?

Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil, but sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers as a side dish to complement the chicken. Simply roast them while the chicken bakes.

7. Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the breaded chicken for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

9. Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to create a similar flavor profile.

10. How can I serve these buns for a party?

These Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pieces make excellent party appetizers! Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve them with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce on the side.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a crispy golden exterior, juicy chicken, and a sweet, spicy glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love!

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