This crispy baked hot honey chicken is a treat that’s both sweet and spicy! The chicken gets a golden, crunchy coating while the hot honey adds a zesty kick that makes it hard to resist!
I love serving this chicken with a side of veggies or rice. It’s perfect for dinner and always gets smiles from my family. Plus, who doesn’t love a little sweet heat? 🌶️🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs give great flavor and juiciness. You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer them leaner, but thighs often stay juicier while baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter and crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, you can use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs, though they may be less crunchy.
Honey: This recipe uses honey for sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, try agave syrup or maple syrup. Just remember, using different liquids might adjust the final flavor a bit.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my go-to for the right heat and flavor. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce, but adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch When Baking Chicken?
Getting that crispy outer layer is key to this recipe! Here are a few tips to ensure your chicken has the right crunch:
- Always pat the chicken dry before breading. This helps the coatings stick better.
- Use a three-step breading process: flour, egg, and finally panko. This layering makes for a delicious crunch.
- Don’t forget to spray or drizzle oil on the breaded chicken before baking! This helps it become golden brown and crispy.
- Baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Coating:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, followed by 25-30 minutes of baking. So, you can expect to have your crispy baked hot honey chicken ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature will help your chicken get nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack over the baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This setup makes it easy to coat your chicken pieces.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and pat it dry with paper towels. First, dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces.
4. Arrange and Bake:
Place the breaded chicken on your prepared baking sheet. To help them get extra crispy, lightly spray or drizzle the tops with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a lovely golden color!
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, mix the honey and hot sauce together in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy sauce will add the perfect finishing touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, take it out of the oven and generously brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color. Serve immediately and relish your crispy, sweet, and spicy hot honey chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be aware that the cooking time will be longer. You’ll want to bake it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The cooking method remains the same!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to maintain crispiness. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Hot Honey Sauce?
Absolutely! To reduce the heat, you can cut back on the amount of hot sauce or use a milder sauce. If you want it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a hotter sauce in place of the sriracha.
