Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken coated in a spicy, sweet honey glaze. The combination of a crunchy breadcrumb coating and the sweet heat from the hot honey sauce creates an irresistible texture and flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. This dish is easy to prepare, healthier than fried chicken, and absolutely delicious. Whether served with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies, it’s a showstopper meal!

Ingredients

this Recipe

(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)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp up in the oven.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1. While the chicken is baking, make the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly simmering (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.

To Serve:

1. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
2. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add extra spice: For an extra kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs: For more flavor and tenderness, substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
• Add flavor to the breadcrumbs: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb coating for an added depth of flavor.
• Make it sweeter: Increase the honey amount for a sweeter version of the hot honey sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, you can use regular honey and add hot sauce to adjust the level of heat to your liking.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can fry the chicken for an extra crispy result. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet with a spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more. It’s an easy-to-make, healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or crunch. The hot honey sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dish a family favorite for dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion!

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