Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to impress your taste buds with minimal effort, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is exactly what you need. It’s crispy, sweet, and spicy, with the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that can be on your dinner table in about 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Delight: The chicken gets perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
• Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey sauce adds the perfect sweet heat, making every bite exciting.
• Easy to Make: No frying needed! The chicken is baked to perfection, so it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions without sacrificing flavor.
• Minimal Cleanup: With a single baking sheet involved, cleaning up is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create this deliciously crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken:

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Bone-in or boneless, but I recommend bone-in for the best juiciness. The skin gets extra crispy, creating that irresistible crunch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The key to achieving that signature crunch! Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Flour: Helps create a base for the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken, giving it that golden, crunchy exterior.
• Eggs: Used to create a batter-like coating that binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a kick to the hot honey sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance!
• Honey: Sweetens up the hot sauce and creates a delicious sticky glaze that takes the chicken to the next level.
• Paprika and Garlic Powder: These seasonings bring depth to the flavor profile of the crispy chicken. They’re essential for seasoning the chicken before it’s baked.
• Olive Oil: A light drizzle over the chicken before baking ensures it crisps up beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken and the crispy coating.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few tasty variations to try:

• Different Protein: Swap out chicken for crispy baked tofu or even shrimp for a delicious twist.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey to make the sauce sweeter or spicier depending on your preference.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breading mixture for an extra fiery kick.
• Crispy Skin: For even crispier chicken, add a little bit of baking powder to the flour mixture to help the breading puff up during baking.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s well combined and warmed through. You can add more hot sauce for extra heat!

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken. You can even toss the chicken in the sauce for a more even coating, depending on how sticky you want the glaze. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Double Coat: For extra crunch, you can coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs twice. Once you’ve dipped the chicken in the egg, repeat the process for a second layer of breadcrumbs.
• Don’t Skip the Drizzle: The drizzle of olive oil before baking is crucial for that golden-brown, crispy exterior. It’s not just for flavor—it helps the breadcrumbs crisp up perfectly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of baking. The skin should be golden, but you don’t want to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) internally.

How to Serve

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors:

• Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for a hearty side that balances the sweetness of the hot honey glaze.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: A bed of rice or mashed potatoes will soak up the hot honey sauce, making for a deliciously savory meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored 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 restore some of the crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken before baking! Simply bread the chicken, freeze it on a baking sheet, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for best results to maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless breasts if you prefer, but keep in mind they might cook a bit faster and may not stay as juicy as bone-in thighs.

2. How spicy is this chicken?
The hot honey glaze provides a nice kick, but the heat is balanced out by the sweetness of the honey. If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. The hot honey sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

4. Can I make this recipe without the hot honey sauce?
Yes, you can skip the hot honey sauce for a milder version of the recipe. Try using a classic barbecue sauce or a sweet and sour glaze for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is an irresistible combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or for a casual weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table. Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Give it a try, and enjoy the crunch!

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