If you’re a fan of crispy chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will be your new go-to recipe. The crispy, golden crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey glaze gives it a mouthwatering sweet and spicy kick. Best of all, it’s baked, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Ready in just 50 minutes, this dish is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests or your family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)
For Garnish (optional):
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Fresh chopped parsley
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Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a 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. Gently press to ensure 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 is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy. -
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
If desired, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist. -
Glaze the Chicken:
When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. For extra flavor, toss the chicken in the sauce to ensure even coverage. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for an added crunch.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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For a Spicier Kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the sauce to ramp up the heat.
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Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour, and serve the chicken with a side of cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
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Air Fryer Method: If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the breaded chicken at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain its crispy texture. You can also reheat it in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will provide even more flavor and juiciness due to their higher fat content.
2. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. Spraying the chicken with cooking spray or drizzling olive oil before baking helps to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before drizzling over the chicken.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes used. Adjust the sauce to your preferred spice level.
5. Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any hot sauce you prefer, such as sriracha, buffalo sauce, or chili garlic sauce, to customize the flavor.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives like almond flour or rice flour.
9. Can I use boneless chicken tenders instead of breasts or thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken tenders work well with this recipe and will cook a bit faster than larger pieces of chicken.
10. What side dishes go well with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a green salad, or even a side of mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness. This healthier alternative to fried chicken is just as flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, crispy chicken dinner in no time. Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors, and don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley and crunchy toppings for extra flavor!
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken? Try this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and drizzled with a hot honey sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and perfect for dinner or meal prep, offering the satisfying crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the extra oil.
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
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 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)
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 a 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 is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.
Glaze the Chicken: When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like extra sauce, you can toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can bake the chicken on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet.
Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
For a tangier flavor, consider adding lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
