Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in a dish, and Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken hits all the right notes. Imagine tender chicken coated in a crispy crust, drizzled with sticky, spicy hot honey—it's the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist.

I discovered this recipe while experimenting with ways to bring a little excitement to weeknight dinners. Now, it's a go-to for when I want something indulgent yet simple to prepare. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your table.

Why You'll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons.

First, it's baked, not fried, which means less mess and fewer calories, without compromising on crunch. The oven does all the work to deliver that golden, crispy coating.

Next, the hot honey glaze is pure magic. It combines sweet, sticky honey with a kick of heat from chili flakes, creating a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with the crunchy chicken.

This recipe is also easy to customize. Whether you like it mild or prefer it fiery, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

Finally, it’s a great option for busy nights. With a few pantry staples and simple prep, you can have this dish ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is using the right ingredients to achieve that signature crispy texture and bold flavor.

Chicken thighs or breasts work equally well for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but if you prefer leaner meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

The breading mixture is made with a combination of panko breadcrumbs and a touch of seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs create that light, airy crunch that’s hard to beat. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika and garlic powder enhances the flavor.

Egg wash acts as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs adhere. Be sure to coat each piece thoroughly for maximum crunch.

The star of the show is the hot honey glaze. You’ll need honey, chili flakes, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. The vinegar adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.

For equipment, a wire rack set over a baking sheet is essential. This setup allows the chicken to crisp up evenly on all sides without becoming soggy.

How To Make This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Creating this dish is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.

While the oven heats, prepare your breading station. In one bowl, whisk together eggs for the egg wash. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and salt. Heat gently until warmed through and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes if needed.

Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey glaze over each piece or serve it on the side for dipping. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), storing them is simple. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated 350°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps restore the crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

The hot honey glaze can be stored separately in a small container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your preferences.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal as a substitute for panko.

If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, try substituting the honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener mixed with a little water.

Want to kick up the heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or increase the chili flakes in the glaze.

Prefer a milder flavor? Use less chili in the glaze or omit it altogether for a sweet, honey-only drizzle.

Feel like experimenting? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian twist. Both options work beautifully with the hot honey glaze.

With its crispy coating and sticky-sweet glaze, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is sure to become a new favorite. Try it for dinner tonight, and watch it disappear in no time!

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