Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 eggs; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 tbsp butter

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I love this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe for its perfect balance of crispy coating and sweet-spicy glaze. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that adds a delightful kick.

Why I Love This Recipe

I find this recipe incredibly satisfying because it delivers all the crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the excess oil. The combination of spices in the breading and the sweet heat of the hot honey glaze creates a mouthwatering experience. It's also straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
Salt
Black pepper
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Honey
Hot sauce
Butter

Directions

I start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least an hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
In a bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, and spices to create the seasoned coating.
I beat the eggs in a separate bowl and place the panko breadcrumbs in another.
After removing the chicken from the buttermilk, I dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip it into the eggs, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
I arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
While the chicken bakes, I prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Once the chicken is done, I drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a marinating time of at least 1 hour. Baking takes 25-30 minutes, so the total time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Variations

For a milder version, I reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze.
Sometimes, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breading for extra heat.
I occasionally use chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts for smaller portions.
To make it gluten-free, I substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain the crispiness. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

I ensure the chicken is well-coated with panko breadcrumbs and bake it on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation, which helps achieve a crispier texture.

Can I use chicken wings instead of thighs or breasts?

Yes, I can use chicken wings; I adjust the baking time accordingly, typically reducing it to 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the wings.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If I don't have buttermilk, I mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it as a substitute.

Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, I decrease the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety. Adding more honey also balances out the heat.

What sides pair well with this chicken?

I often serve this chicken with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.

Conclusion

I find this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe to be a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It's a healthier take on a classic favorite, offering the satisfaction of crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy twist. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes 1 hour marinating)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A healthier take on fried chicken, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and finished with a sweet and spicy glaze.

Instructions

Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over it.
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Beat eggs in a separate bowl and place panko breadcrumbs in another.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet or rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken bakes, make the hot honey sauce by heating honey, hot sauce, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Drizzle hot honey sauce over baked chicken before serving.