Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
A delightful twist on traditional fried chicken, offering a savory crunch enveloped in a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces 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
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Beat the eggs in another shallow dish.
- In a third dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
Coating the Chicken
- Take each chicken piece and coat it first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Preparing the Sauce
- Prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
- For a touch of tanginess, stir in optional apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Serving
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over it. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds/crushed peanuts if desired.
Notes
For an extra-crunchy exterior, consider double-dipping the chicken in the egg and panko. You can also marinate the chicken in buttermilk beforehand to enhance tenderness.