Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances crispy, crunchy chicken with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. This recipe delivers all the satisfying flavors of fried chicken without the added fat and calories, thanks to the baking method. The crispy crust comes from a combination of breadcrumbs and seasonings, while the hot honey glaze adds the perfect touch of heat and sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.

Hot honey has become a popular trend in the culinary world, known for its ability to bring out the savory flavors in fried chicken, pizza, and even vegetables. The addition of a spicy kick from chili flakes or hot sauce creates a beautiful contrast with the sweetness of the honey. This baked version of hot honey chicken allows you to enjoy all the bold flavors of the dish with a healthier approach, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun weekend meal.

Whether you’re a fan of sweet and spicy combinations or simply love crunchy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a crispy, golden-brown chicken with the perfect glaze that is both savory and sweet. Follow this easy-to-follow guide, and soon you’ll be enjoying a plate of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken that will impress your family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Crispy, Crunchy Texture: The coating on these chicken pieces gets wonderfully crunchy in the oven, creating the perfect texture that rivals deep-fried chicken without the excess oil.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that coats each piece of chicken, offering a savory bite followed by a slight heat from the chili flakes or hot sauce.
• Healthier Than Fried Chicken: Baking the chicken instead of frying it allows you to enjoy a crispy exterior without the additional calories and fat from frying oil.
• Easy to Make: The preparation for this dish is simple and doesn’t require complex techniques. With just a few basic steps, you can make this tasty and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is great for weeknight dinners, family meals, or as an appetizer at gatherings. Its delicious flavor profile also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (4-6 pieces of chicken per serving)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the exact ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12-14g

Ingredients

For the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:

• 4 large chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite hot sauce)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken. If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 inches each. You can also use chicken thighs, which are slightly more tender and flavorful. Once the chicken is cut, season the pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These seasonings add depth and flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. The olive oil helps the breading adhere to the chicken while also promoting a crispy texture during baking.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

To create a crispy, crunchy coating on the chicken, set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and flour. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, which gives them the ability to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Flour is added to help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. The egg wash will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Bread the Chicken Pieces

Take each piece of seasoned chicken and dip it first into the beaten egg, making sure it is well-coated. Then, transfer the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs stick. The goal is to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the crunchy breadcrumb mixture.

Once all the chicken pieces are breaded, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces are not touching each other. This spacing will help the chicken cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

4. Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior without the need for frying. Place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Halfway through the baking process, flip the chicken pieces to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. You’ll notice the breadcrumbs becoming golden and crispy as they bake, giving the chicken a perfect texture.

5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is well combined and warmed through. The honey should become slightly thinner as it heats, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly when applied.

Taste the glaze and adjust the heat level as needed. If you prefer more heat, you can add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter glaze, add a little extra honey to balance out the spiciness.

6. Coat the Chicken in the Hot Honey Glaze

Once the chicken is fully baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. Be generous with the glaze, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated with the sweet and spicy sauce. Alternatively, you can toss the chicken pieces in the glaze to evenly coat them, making sure each piece gets the perfect amount of flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy

After glazing the chicken, let it sit for a minute or two for the glaze to set. Then, serve the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness, if desired.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes. The combination of the crispy chicken and the sweet heat of the hot honey glaze will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Tips for Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken a perfect crunch. Don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs for the same texture.
• Ensure Even Coating: For the crispiest results, be sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken pieces to ensure they stick well during baking. The more even the coating, the crispier the chicken will be.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level. If you want the chicken to have more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or use a spicier variety. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and omit the red pepper flakes.
• Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar in the glaze helps to balance the sweetness of the honey and the heat from the hot sauce. It’s essential for creating a well-rounded flavor, so don’t skip this ingredient.
• Rest the Chicken Before Glazing: After baking the chicken, allow it to cool slightly before drizzling with the hot honey glaze. This helps the glaze set and adhere better to the chicken, ensuring you get the perfect coating.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served right after the glaze has been applied, as the crispy coating will start to soften over time. Serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: If you prefer chicken tenders over chicken breasts or thighs, you can easily substitute them in this recipe. Chicken tenders cook faster than larger chicken pieces, so reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on their size.
• BBQ Hot Honey Chicken: For a different flavor twist, substitute the hot sauce in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce. The combination of BBQ sauce and honey adds a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Spicy Maple Chicken: If you prefer maple syrup over honey, you can substitute it in the glaze. Maple syrup provides a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the heat from the hot sauce, giving the chicken a slightly different flavor profile.
• Baked Hot Honey Chicken Wings: Instead of using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, you can make this recipe with chicken wings. The process remains the same, just adjust the cooking time to account for the smaller size of the wings, typically around 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Vegetarian Hot Honey “Chicken”: For a vegetarian version of this dish, use crispy tofu or cauliflower pieces in place of the chicken. Coat the tofu or cauliflower in the breadcrumb mixture and bake until crispy. Then drizzle with the hot honey glaze for a delicious plant-based meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later use. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.

If you’d like to freeze the chicken, place the cooked pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can be stored for up to 1-2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy chicken. The acidity of the dressing also balances the sweetness of the hot honey glaze.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a great side to this dish, adding earthy flavors that complement the heat and sweetness of the chicken.
• Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the crispy and spicy chicken, creating a deliciously indulgent meal.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette will refresh your palate between bites of the spicy, sweet chicken.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is another fantastic option that pairs well with the flavors of the hot honey chicken. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the heat of the chicken, creating a harmonious meal.

Print

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that delivers the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness. With its crispy exterior, tender chicken, and a delicious hot honey glaze, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you serve it for a casual dinner, a family meal, or at a party, this dish will impress with its irresistible flavor.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can make a healthier version of your favorite fried chicken without compromising on taste or texture. Customize the spice level to your liking, and serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy the crispy, crunchy goodness of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken and bring a touch of sweet and spicy excitement to your dining table!