Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is one of those unforgettable dishes that can elevate your weeknight dinner into something truly special. The combination of crispy, golden chicken soaked in a sweet and spicy glaze creates a delightful sensation in every bite. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the crispy crunch and the warm, spicy kick from the hot honey sauce had everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet easy to whip up.
Why you’ll love this dish
This dish isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of panko breadcrumbs provides a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey sauce brings an enticing heat that can be adjusted to your taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
"I tried this recipe last weekend, and now it’s a family favorite! The chicken was perfectly crispy, and the hot honey sauce took it to another level!" – Happy Home Cook
Step-by-step overview
Making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is straightforward and fun! You’ll start by prepping the chicken, coating it in a flavorful mix, and baking it until it’s perfectly crispy. While the chicken cooks, you’ll whip up a delightful hot honey sauce. By the end, you’ll have a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also makes your kitchen smell amazing!
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following 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 but recommended)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (tailor it to your preferred heat level)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice crisp.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs well.
- In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Now, coat each chicken piece: first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- 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.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- For a tangy twist, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce.
- Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. For more coverage, consider tossing the chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired.
- Serve with your favored sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Best ways to enjoy it
Plating your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is simple. Serve it alongside vibrant roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce. For a refreshing touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds balance to the meal.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, try reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you want to store it for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t Skip the Panko: For that ultimate crunch, panko breadcrumbs are essential. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce to tailor the dish to your family’s spice tolerance.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and store them separately until you’re ready to bake.
Creative twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different spices to the flour mixture, such as cumin or coriander, for an interesting twist. You could also swap the hot honey sauce for a sweet teriyaki glaze or BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Common questions
-
How long does it take to prepare?
From prep to table, this dish takes roughly 45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. -
Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, while boneless and skinless cuts are recommended for this recipe, skin-on chicken can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary. -
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, though you may sacrifice some crunch.
By following this recipe for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll impress your family and serve a dish that is both satisfying and crave-worthy. Enjoy!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for more heat
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice optional, for a tangy kick
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs well.
- In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken piece: first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Cooking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden brown.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until smooth.
- Optionally, add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over it and garnish with parsley and other optional toppings.
