Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that offers the perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy-sweet flavor. Ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their meals, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a hit for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this chicken recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Cooking spray or oil for baking
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over them, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 hour.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to ensure an even coating.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the glaze is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, let it cool slightly. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken hot, paired with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken hot and freshly glazed to maintain its crispy texture. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Side Dishes: Pair this dish with complementary sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of cornbread or roasted vegetables.
Sauces and Dips: Offer additional sauces on the side for variety. Try a cool ranch dressing or a creamy blue cheese dip to balance the heat of the hot honey glaze.
Portion Sizes: Depending on your guests, you can serve the chicken breasts whole or slice them into strips for easier sharing, especially if you’re serving it as an appetizer or part of a buffet.
Temperature: Serve the chicken right after glazing to ensure it’s warm and the coating is at its crispiest. You can place it in a warm oven (about 200°F or 90°C) while you prepare the sides to keep it hot.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
Freezing: If you have extra chicken that you won’t be able to eat within a few days, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months. Note that the coating may lose some crispiness upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain some of the original crispiness. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes for a crisper finish.
Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the coating soggy, so it’s best to use an oven or air fryer for reheating. If using a microwave, try reheating on a rack to help maintain some of the crunch.
Glaze Storage: Store any leftover hot honey glaze separately in a small airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. Reheat the glaze gently in a microwave or small saucepan before using it again.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and have a slightly richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How can I make the chicken spicier?
To make the chicken spicier, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture. You can also add more red pepper flakes or use a hotter variety of hot sauce in the glaze. For an extra kick, drizzle additional hot sauce over the chicken before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it as a replacement for the buttermilk in the recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, including the hot sauce, are also gluten-free. The chicken will still come out crispy and delicious with these substitutions.
Conclusion:
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch. With its quick preparation and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines a crispy, golden coating with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with a kick of heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves bold flavors. Ideal for those looking for a baked alternative to fried chicken, this dish is ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking spray or oil for baking
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove each chicken breast from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium, stirring until well combined.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle with hot honey glaze or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and breadcrumb mixture.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the glaze.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
