Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The golden, crispy chicken is complemented by a spicy, sweet honey glaze that gives it a unique kick. This dish is healthier than deep-fried versions, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the crunch or flavor. The hot honey sauce is customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. With its combination of savory and sweet, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

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 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)

Directions

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 one shallow dish, combine 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 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 reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. For extra tang, add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

5. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you prefer more sauce, toss the chicken in the sauce for additional 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

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add garlic to the hot honey sauce for an extra savory depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Add Vegetables: Roast some vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes, alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For the crispiest result, you can also reheat it in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

FAQs

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Ensure the chicken is well-coated with breadcrumbs and lightly spray it with cooking spray or drizzle it with olive oil before baking. This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown coating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will result in even juicier meat. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the oven.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, use less hot sauce or leave out the pepper flakes.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded and baked chicken. After baking, let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of mac and cheese.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken ahead of time by breading it and storing it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving. The hot honey sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

How do I make the honey sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker honey sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce. You can also add a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it further.

What other seasonings can I use in the breading?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cayenne pepper, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor of the breading.

Can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?

Yes, if you love extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add some cayenne pepper for an additional kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for several days, reheating when needed.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish that offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make, healthier than fried chicken, and packed with bold flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist.

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines crispy, crunchy chicken with a delicious hot honey glaze, offering the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Baked instead of fried, it’s a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect meal for a family dinner or weeknight feast.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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)

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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 one shallow dish, combine 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 make sure 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 reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
• Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. For extra tang, add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
• Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you prefer more sauce, toss the chicken in the sauce for additional coverage.
• 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

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For the crispiest result, you can also reheat it in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Variations:
  • Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add garlic to the hot honey sauce for an extra savory depth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
  • Add Vegetables: Roast some vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes, alongside the chicken for a complete meal.