Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its incredible crunch and sweetness with a touch of heat. The chicken is baked, not fried, so you can enjoy the crispy texture without the guilt. The hot honey glaze adds just the right amount of spice and sweetness, elevating the flavor of the chicken to a whole new level. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare for dinner or a special occasion. The balance of textures and flavors in every bite will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup hot honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Set up a dredging station: In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the chicken breasts (or thighs) first in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.

4. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help with crisping.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the hot honey over medium heat until it becomes slightly thinner and more liquid. Stir in apple cider vinegar for an added tang, if desired.

7. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the chicken just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the hot honey glaze for a more intense heat.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken nuggets or tofu, and swap the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or cornstarch slurry for breading.

• Additional Flavors: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a citrus twist or mix in a bit of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For added crunch, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great and are even juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer depending on their size.

2. How do I make the glaze spicier?

To make the glaze spicier, simply add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the hot honey.

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

Yes, regular honey can be used, but the hot honey adds a unique balance of sweetness and heat. You can make your own hot honey by infusing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.

4. Can I bake the chicken without breading?

While the breading gives the chicken its crunch, you could bake the chicken without it if you prefer a lighter option. Just season and bake the chicken directly.

5. Can I freeze the chicken after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

6. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Store-bought panko breadcrumbs are a quick and easy option. They also provide a nice crispy texture.

7. How do I get the coating extra crispy?

To ensure the coating is extra crispy, be sure to drizzle a little oil over the chicken before baking and use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch.

8. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. They will need a similar cooking time as chicken breasts.

9. Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the hot honey glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply heat it up before drizzling on the chicken.

10. Can I use this recipe for chicken tenders?

Yes! Chicken tenders will cook more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly, typically around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the tenders.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy twist. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing something special for guests, this recipe will become a favorite in no time. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.