If you’re a fan of that perfect balance between heat and sweetness, then this dish is about to become your new favorite. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a meal: crispy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds tingle. Picture tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden crust, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that takes it to the next level. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.
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And the best part? It’s baked, so you get that delicious crunch without all the frying mess. It’s healthier but still packs all the flavor and texture you crave. Whether you’re craving something new for dinner or want to impress your friends at a gathering, this dish delivers.
Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a party, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Crispy and Crunchy: Baked to crispy perfection, this chicken gives you that satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of texture that’s addictive.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The hot honey drizzle is a showstopper. A little kick from the spice and a hint of sweetness make every bite even more irresistible.
Healthier Option: Because it’s baked, you get all the crunch of fried chicken but without all the oil. It’s a lighter, healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together with minimal effort. Simple steps, quick prep, and you’ve got a dinner that feels gourmet without the hassle.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering, this chicken is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the perfect blend of bold and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this dish stand out—the combination of crispy chicken and the hot honey drizzle. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender and juicy, chicken thighs or breasts are the base of this dish. You’ll get a satisfying bite every time.
Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunch, breadcrumbs give the chicken a crispy coating. You can use panko for extra crunch.
Spices: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper adds depth of flavor and a little heat to the coating.
Eggs: The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, ensuring that perfect golden crust.
Flour: The flour helps the coating get crispy and forms the base for the breadcrumb crust.
Hot Honey Sauce: The star of the show! A combination of honey and hot sauce, with a hint of vinegar, creates a tangy, spicy sweetness that’s completely addictive.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy golden crust.
Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly to infuse that flavor right from the start.
Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. This is where the crunch comes from!
Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, make the sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, and a splash of vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until it’s all well combined and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Drizzle the Hot Honey: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. Let it soak in for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, with a side of your favorite veggies or a fresh salad. This dish pairs perfectly with something light to balance the richness of the honey chicken.
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your meal:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will contrast beautifully with the rich, spicy chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes to add some color and nutrition to the meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa will help soak up the hot honey sauce and balance out the flavors.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit with crispy chicken and will perfectly complement the sweetness of the honey sauce.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead: Coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and make the hot honey sauce.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating or choose a milder hot sauce for the honey drizzle.
Make it a Meal: Pair the chicken with roasted potatoes or a side of creamy mac and cheese to make it even more filling.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the chicken before baking. Just bread the chicken and freeze it on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
Q2: Can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?
A2: Yes, you can add more hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to turn up the heat. It’s all about balancing the flavors to your taste!
Q3: Can I bake the chicken ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bake the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Just drizzle the hot honey sauce over it when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that extra crunch.
Q5: Can I freeze the chicken before baking?
A5: Yes! Freeze the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q6: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A6: You can swap the regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of options available at most grocery stores!
Q7: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A7: The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Q8: Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
A8: Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs work perfectly in this recipe, but make sure they’re unseasoned for the best flavor.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
A9: To keep it crispy, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try—it’s time to enjoy a deliciously crunchy, perfectly spiced meal that will make everyone at the table smile. Happy cooking!
Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, and sweet with a spicy kick! Coated in a flavorful cornflake crust and drizzled with a spicy honey sauce, this dish is a delicious twist on classic chicken. It’s simple to make and sure to be a hit at your dinner table. #HotHoneyChicken #CrispyChicken #BakedChicken #SpicyHoneyChicken #EasyChickenRecipe #GlutenFreeChicken #ComfortFood #ChickenDinner #HomemadeChicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1–3 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely crumbled. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a ziplock bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin.
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the eggs and add hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat. Dredge the chicken through the cornflake mixture, covering each piece fully. For an extra thick coating, dip the chicken back in the egg mixture and then back into the crumbs. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy all around.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the chicken. Top with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish. If the sauce thickens, warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, be sure to use enough olive oil when drizzling over the breaded chicken.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg