Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re craving a dish that combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, look no further than this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe. Crispy, crunchy chicken coated with a tangy, spicy honey glaze makes for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this dish will undoubtedly be the star.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create the best Hot Honey Chicken, baked to perfection. This recipe combines juicy chicken pieces with a crunchy crust and a sweet, spicy kick. Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe!

What is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish that features crispy, golden-brown chicken coated with a glaze made from honey, hot sauce, and a mix of seasonings. Unlike fried chicken, this version is baked, which gives it a healthier edge while still achieving that crispy crunch. The hot honey glaze adds just the right amount of heat with a touch of sweetness, making it an irresistible combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.

This recipe is perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and spicy in their dishes. It’s versatile enough to serve on its own, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. The glaze can also be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level, making this dish as mild or fiery as you like.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To prepare this dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for added moisture and flavor).
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter (for basting).

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey (use pure honey for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your desired level of heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky undertone)
• Salt to taste

These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that is crispy, flavorful, and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing this delicious dish.

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re using breasts, it’s best to pound them out to an even thickness so they cook evenly. If you’re using thighs, they’ll likely be perfect as they are, with juicy, tender meat.

Once your chicken is prepped, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices will create the base of your crunchy coating, giving the chicken a flavorful kick. Be sure to rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

2. Coat the Chicken with Flour

In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.

3. Create the Egg Wash

4. Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs

Next, place your panko breadcrumbs on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Press each piece of chicken into the breadcrumbs, making sure each side is generously coated. The panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken its crispy, crunchy exterior once it’s baked in the oven.

5. Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil or melted butter. This step helps the chicken get extra crispy and golden in the oven.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispness.

6. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s well combined and warmed through. This glaze should have a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more hot sauce for heat or more honey for sweetness.

7. Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. You can use a spoon to spoon the glaze over the chicken or use a brush for a more even coating. For an extra kick, you can drizzle a little more hot sauce on top if you like things spicier.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of color. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The sweet, spicy flavor of the glaze is the perfect complement to the crunchy chicken, making each bite irresistible.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these tasty sides:

• Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to soak up the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced, healthy meal.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken.
• Biscuits or Cornbread: For a Southern-inspired meal, serve the chicken with fluffy biscuits or cornbread to complement the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

Bone-in chicken can also be used in this recipe, though it will require a longer cooking time compared to boneless cuts. Make sure to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Can I Make the Hot Honey Glaze Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before drizzling over the chicken.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or add additional chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. Adjust the heat to your taste.

How Can I Make the Chicken Extra Crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking, or use a convection oven to promote even crisping.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect blend of crispy, crunchy chicken and a flavorful hot honey glaze. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply craving something bold and satisfying, this dish will deliver. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Try this recipe today and experience the sweet, spicy, and crunchy goodness that will have everyone asking for more!

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• Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
• Sweet Sour Spicy Korean Chicken
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