Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The unique blend of textures and flavors in this dish is what makes it so irresistible. The baked coating ensures the chicken is perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative while still being indulgent. The hot honey sauce adds just the right amount of spice and sweetness to elevate the dish, making every bite exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup hot honey

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.

4. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

5. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the chicken to help it crisp up while baking.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot honey and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is warm and combined.

8. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top.

9. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add extra spice: If you love extra heat, add more red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce or even a splash of hot sauce.

• Use chicken thighs: For juicier chicken, you can swap out the breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

• Gluten-free version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

• Add a side of veggies: Roast some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the coating may not stay as crunchy.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just note that the cooking time will be longer, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

2. How can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?

To make the hot honey sauce spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.

3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken by breading it the night before and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just bake it as directed.

4. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based chicken substitutes or even large mushrooms, like portobello, as a replacement for the chicken breasts.

5. Can I bake the chicken at a different temperature?

You can bake the chicken at a lower temperature, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Lowering the temperature will ensure the chicken cooks more evenly, but it will take longer to reach the desired golden crispiness.

6. Can I freeze this chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven.

7. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and ensure your hot honey is free of any dairy ingredients.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to ensure your chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.

9. Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Yes, you can use regular honey if you don’t have hot honey, but the sauce will lack the spicy kick. You can add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to regular honey to mimic the flavor.

10. Can I serve this chicken with a dipping sauce?

Absolutely! You can pair it with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate fusion of sweet, spicy, and crispy in one dish. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!