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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a healthier take on fried chicken, combining crispy breading with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
  4. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for tang, if desired.
  7. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage if desired.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • This recipe yields 4 servings.
  • If you prefer a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and add more honey.
  • Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor if preferred over breasts.
  • For extra flavor, experiment with adding spices like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb coating.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

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