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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

5 from 24 reviews

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy exterior coated with panko breadcrumbs and a perfect blend of spices, baked to juicy perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish ideal for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: 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. 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 ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces 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 cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until butter melts and sauce is smooth. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a touch of tang if desired, stirring to combine.
  5. Glaze the Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. For more coverage, toss the chicken gently in the sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  • Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control heat levels.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juiciness.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Optional vinegar or lemon juice adds a nice tang balancing the sweetness and heat.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken, baked chicken, crunchy chicken recipe, spicy honey chicken, panko chicken, easy dinner recipe, oven baked chicken