Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

There's nothing like the irresistible crunch of baked chicken paired with the sweet heat of hot honey glaze. This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a show-stopper, combining crispy breading with a perfectly balanced sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

this Recipes

I discovered this gem during a culinary experiment to recreate my favorite restaurant-style chicken at home, and it quickly became a family staple. Not only is it a healthier alternative to fried chicken, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights and special occasions alike. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a place in your recipe rotation.

Why You'll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with a dish that's as flavorful as it is versatile. Here’s why this recipe is sure to win you over:

First, it’s healthier without sacrificing flavor. Baking the chicken instead of frying gives you that same crave-worthy crunch, but without the added oil and grease.

It’s an absolute flavor bomb. The combination of crispy, spiced breading and the sweet-yet-spicy hot honey glaze creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s hard to resist.

Perfect for any occasion, this dish is equally at home on a weeknight dinner table or as the star of your next gathering. It’s crowd-pleasing comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Finally, it’s customizable! Whether you prefer milder flavors or love turning up the heat, this recipe is easy to tweak to suit your taste buds.

From start to finish, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Ready to make it yourself? Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top pick for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during baking. If you prefer chicken breasts, simply slice them into thinner cutlets to ensure even cooking.

Panko breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs are the secret to achieving an ultra-crispy coating. Toasting them lightly in the oven before breading the chicken takes the crunch factor to the next level.

Seasonings: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper ensures the chicken is well-seasoned and flavorful. Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference.

Hot honey: This sauce is the star of the show. You can use store-bought hot honey or make your own by combining honey with red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar. It adds just the right balance of heat and sweetness.

Eggs and flour: These classic breading ingredients help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispy, golden crust.

Before we get started, grab a baking sheet, a wire rack, and a small saucepan for the hot honey glaze. Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.

How To Make This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Creating this delectable dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to get perfect results every time.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This setup ensures the chicken bakes evenly and stays crispy.

Prepare your breading station. In one bowl, whisk together flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another, beat eggs until smooth. In a third, combine panko breadcrumbs with the seasonings, mixing well.

Toast the breadcrumbs. Spread the seasoned panko on a baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown. This step guarantees a satisfying crunch.

Bread the chicken. Dip each piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack.

Bake to perfection. Pop the chicken in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when the coating is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Make the hot honey glaze. While the chicken bakes, heat honey with red pepper flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.

Glaze and serve. Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken just before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

From start to finish, this dish is ready in about 40 minutes. Now let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers.

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers, don’t worry – this dish stores beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack and bake at 350°F until warmed through. This method ensures the coating stays crispy.

Freeze for longer storage. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating from frozen, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. The chicken will taste as good as the day you made it.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a dream for those who love to experiment. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Swap out the protein. Try this method with bone-in chicken, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Adjust the heat. Use more or fewer red pepper flakes in the hot honey to control the spice level. For a smoky twist, add a dash of chipotle powder.

Make it gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version.

Add herbs to the breading. Freshly chopped parsley or dried thyme can enhance the flavor of the crispy coating.

Try different honeys. Experiment with wildflower honey, orange blossom honey, or clover honey to see how the flavors change.

With so many possibilities, this recipe is sure to keep you inspired. Go ahead and make it your own!

Print