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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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. 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 in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- 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.
- 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. For a tangy twist, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Glaze the Chicken: When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. For extra coverage, you can toss the chicken in the sauce.
- 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.
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, you can briefly broil the chicken after baking for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- To make the dish even healthier, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or baked breadcrumbs.
- Try adding some lime zest to the hot honey sauce for an additional fresh flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
