Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. While the chicken is still hot, drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken breasts. Make sure to coat them generously for maximum flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can toss the chicken in the sauce instead.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions over the chicken for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 7: Serving Suggestions

1. Pairing Ideas: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
   • Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the hot honey sauce.
   • Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
   • Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken.
   • Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or a baked potato can also be a great accompaniment.
2. Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and stay juicy. However, you can use thighs if you prefer dark meat; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Achieving the Perfect Crunch: To ensure maximum crispiness, be generous with the cooking spray before baking. If you have an air fryer, you can also use it for an even crispier texture.
3. Hot Honey Variations: Feel free to experiment with the hot honey sauce! Try adding garlic powder, ginger, or even a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
4. Make it a Meal Prep: This chicken is great for meal prep. Cook a batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out with your favorite sides for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
5. Spice Level Adjustments: Adjust the heat level according to your preferences. You can use a milder hot sauce for a gentler heat or a hotter variety for those who crave spice.
6. Storage Tips: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s great drizzled over grilled meats or roasted vegetables!

Nutritional Information

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but can also fit into a balanced diet. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings, excluding sides):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Health Benefits

1. Lean Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Heart-Healthy Fats: Using olive oil or butter in moderation can provide healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.
3. Whole Ingredients: By making the sauce and chicken from scratch, you avoid preservatives and excess sodium found in many store-bought options.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with the rich, sweet heat of hot honey sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at your next gathering. With its simple preparation and robust flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

– Advertisement –

Feel free to experiment with different side dishes, sauces, and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy this crispy delight as part of a balanced meal, and watch as it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Breading:
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
   Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).
3. Prepare the Breading:
   In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
   Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
   While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until heated through and well combined, then remove from heat.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
   Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken before serving. For an extra kick, serve additional hot sauce on the side.
   Enjoy your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad!

Notes

• Chicken Options: Chicken thighs will yield juicier results, but breasts can also work well for this recipe.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the crunchiness.
• Make it Spicier: Increase the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce for an extra spicy kick.