Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, reducing oil intake.

• Flavorful Coating: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crunch.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

• Easy Preparation: Simple steps suitable for weeknight dinners.

• Versatile Serving: Pairs well with various sides like salads, vegetables, or grains.

Ingredients

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

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 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)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

   • In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

   • In another dish, beat the eggs.

   • Place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.

   • Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Bake the Chicken:

   • Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

4. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes.

   • Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.

   • Stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if desired.

5. Glaze the Chicken:

   • Remove the baked chicken from the oven.

   • Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top or toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if using.

   • Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the heat.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

• Sweetness: Add more honey to the sauce for a sweeter profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal due to their tenderness and ease of preparation.

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before use.

Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture. However, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the sauce to decrease the spiciness.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, you can fry the breaded chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through. Baking is a healthier alternative.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Consider serving with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use pre-made hot honey?

Absolutely. Store-bought hot honey can be used in place of the homemade sauce for convenience.

How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Avoid covering the chicken when storing, and reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, and combine them when ready to eat to preserve texture.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze the cooked, unglazed chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and add the sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Its balance of sweetness and heat, coupled with a satisfying crunch, ensures it's a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Print