The Dreamiest Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Ever

Crafting the perfect hot honey chicken demands creativity and a dash of culinary adventure.

Spicy, sweet, and irresistibly crispy textures await you in this mouthwatering dish.

Marinades can elevate ordinary proteins into extraordinary meals that spark conversation.

Unexpected flavor combinations make home cooking exciting and memorable.

crunchy exterior meets sticky-sweet glaze, creating a sensational experience for anyone who loves bold tastes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing favorite for your next meal.

FAQs

• How spicy is this hot honey chicken?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you use. Mild sauces like Frank’s RedHot will give a gentle kick, while spicier options like Sriracha or habanero sauce will make it more intense.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• Is panko breadcrumbs necessary?

Panko creates an extra crispy coating, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes if needed. The key is to get a crunchy exterior.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken’s Zesty Appeal

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This chicken noodle soup transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
• Quickly Prepare Weeknight Dinner: Minimal chopping and basic cooking techniques make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, satisfying meal in no time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out noodles, use rotisserie chicken, or add extra vegetables to personalize the soup and match your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A universally loved recipe that appeals to all ages, from picky kids to adults craving nostalgic, creamy goodness.

Ingredients For Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that creates the base of this crispy and flavorful dish.

• Flour: Light coating that helps egg and breadcrumbs stick to chicken.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breading adhere to chicken surface.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a crunchy exterior.

• Honey: Sweet base that caramelizes and adds rich flavor to the chicken.
• Hot Sauce: Provides spicy kick and depth to the glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Butter: Creates smooth texture and adds richness to the glaze.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents chicken from sticking to baking sheet.

Stepwise Preparation Of Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Fire up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Seasoned panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Crispy Armor

• First, roll in flour for a light, even coating
• Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off
• Finally, press into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a full, crunchy coverage

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Step 5: Craft Spicy Sweet Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Butter

Simmer the ingredients, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the freshly baked chicken. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the glaze is glistening.

Helpful Notes For Hot Honey Chicken

• Create an extra crispy coating by crushing panko breadcrumbs slightly before breading for maximum crunch.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Swap regular honey with local honey for more complex flavor profiles and supporting regional producers.
• Control spice levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity to match personal heat preferences.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before breading to help breading adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness.

Flavor Twists For Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Asian Glaze Chicken: Replace hot sauce with sriracha and add soy sauce to the honey glaze for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Cajun Crunch Chicken: Mix Cajun seasoning into breadcrumbs and use a cayenne-infused honey glaze for a southern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Incorporate dried oregano and thyme into breadcrumbs, then drizzle with a lemon-honey glaze for a Mediterranean touch.
• Coconut Crispy Chicken: Mix shredded coconut with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and use a pineapple-honey glaze for tropical notes.

Perfect Pairings For Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Sweet Picnic Platter: Arrange chicken pieces on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around. Add small dipping bowls of extra hot honey sauce for guests to drizzle as they like.
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich Upgrade: Layer baked chicken between soft brioche buns with creamy coleslaw and an extra drizzle of hot honey. Serve with crispy potato wedges on the side for a satisfying meal.
• Game Day Appetizer Spread: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with toothpicks. Provide small bowls of hot honey for dipping, perfect for casual gatherings and sports watching parties.

Storage Instructions For Hot Honey Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the coating soggy and tough.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy baked hot honey chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Honey glazed chicken creates a golden, crunchy exterior that delivers irresistible taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsps hot sauce
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 g) butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal chicken preparation.
2. Organize three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with whisked eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with additional spices.
3. Transform each chicken piece by first dusting with seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dredging through beaten eggs, and finally rolling in spiced panko for a thorough, crispy coating.
4. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even heat circulation and crispiness.
5. Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the tray midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent internal cooking.
6. While chicken bakes, craft a vibrant glaze by combining honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter in a small saucepan, simmering until ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy mixture.
7. Once chicken reaches optimal crispness and internal temperature, remove from oven and generously brush with the spicy-sweet honey glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Serve immediately to maintain the chicken’s crunchy texture and enjoy the dynamic flavor profile of the hot honey coating.

Notes

• Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for baking to maintain crispy texture and prevent burning.
• Mix paprika or cayenne into breadcrumbs for extra heat and deeper flavor profile.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create maximum crunchiness.
• For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F using meat thermometer for safe consumption.
• Try different hot sauces like Sriracha or gochujang for unique flavor variations.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg