Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Crispy chicken pieces are smothered in a sticky hot honey glaze, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s healthier than deep-frying.

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)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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.
Coat the chicken breasts (or thighs) first in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.
Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help with crisping.
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.
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.
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the chicken just before serving.

Notes

For a spicier glaze, add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
For a vegan version, swap chicken with plant-based nuggets or tofu and use a flaxseed mixture instead of eggs.
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a citrus twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat by placing the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg