Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish is a delightful blend of crispy, crunchy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious meal in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

There are so many reasons to love this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of crispy chicken and a sweet and spicy honey glaze creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s baked, not fried, which means it’s a healthier option without sacrificing any of the crunch.

But that’s not all. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more spice, swap out the honey for maple syrup, or make it gluten-free, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. This chicken tastes even better the next day, making it the perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:

• skinless chicken breasts
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• black pepper
• paprika
• garlic powder
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Gluten-Free Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Extra Spicy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
• Maple Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Cook the chicken in an air fryer for an even crispier texture.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the Honey Glaze: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
6. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, brush the honey glaze over each chicken breast. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Taste the honey glaze as you make it and adjust the hot sauce to suit your taste. You can always add more if you like it spicier.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the chicken breasts are not touching on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Serve

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious main dish on its own, but it’s even better with a few sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Rice: Serve with steamed rice or fried rice for a hearty meal.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Toppings: Don’t forget the toppings! Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes add extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance. Coat the chicken in the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with the honey glaze and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. You can swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is this chicken gluten-free?

This chicken can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.

Can I freeze this chicken?

Yes, this chicken freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make this chicken spicier?

Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze for an extra kick of heat.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This flavorful and crispy dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a tasty dinner option or a satisfying lunch to meal prep, this chicken has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!

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