Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Craving something crispy, spicy, and sweet? Look no further than the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This dish will tantalize your taste buds with its flavorful combination of crunchiness and heat, all finished off with a drizzle of delectable honey. In my experience, this recipe never fails to impress, making it a go-to favorite for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food that is sure to become a staple in your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Experience the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.
- Save time with this easy recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
- Indulge in a dish that offers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
- For the best results, serve the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken fresh out of the oven for a truly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Adore This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Irresistible Flavors: The Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brings together a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Easy Preparation: With a simple and straightforward cooking process, this dish is perfect for both novice chefs and seasoned cooks.
Family Favorite: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Satisfying Comfort Food: Indulge in a hearty and comforting meal that warms the soul with every bite.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Succulent and juicy, chicken thighs provide the perfect base for the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The key to achieving that irresistible crunchiness, panko breadcrumbs coat the chicken thighs for a crispy, golden finish.
Hot Sauce: Infuse your chicken with a kick of heat by adding your favorite hot sauce to the mix, elevating the flavor profile of the dish.
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of hot sauce, ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor infusion.
Crispy Coating
Coat the marinated chicken thighs in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs and create a crunchy outer layer.
Baking Perfection
Bake the chicken until golden brown and crispy, then finish with a drizzle of honey for that perfect sweet and spicy balance.
Ingredients
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Instructions
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Crisp Perfection: For extra crunchiness, broil the chicken thighs for the last few minutes of baking.
Flavor Boost: Mix honey with a touch of hot sauce before drizzling over the chicken for a more intense flavor combination.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a cooling side like a cucumber salad to balance out the heat.
You Must Know
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices and ensure tender, flavorful meat.
- To reheat leftovers, place the chicken in a preheated oven to maintain its crispy texture.
- Experiment with different hot sauce varieties to find your preferred level of spiciness for the dish.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference, creating a customized flavor profile.
How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at a low temperature to preserve its crunchiness.
Customizing Your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option that still packs a flavorful punch.
What to Serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Complement the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that satisfies all cravings.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Simple cornflake-crusted chicken baked up on a sheet pan until crispy and delicious - loved by everyone!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten free, if needed)
- 02 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 06 2 large eggs, beaten
- 07 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 08 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- 09 extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 10 1/2 cup honey
- 11 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 12 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 13 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 14 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 15 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 16 sea salt
- 17 fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
Beat the eggs in a bowl, add the hot sauce and chicken, and toss well to coat. Dredge the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back through the eggs, then through the crumbs a 2nd time. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp all around.
Just before the chicken is done cooking, make the sauce. In a sauce pot, warm together the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt.
Drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken. Top with herbs. If the sauce thickens, warm for 5 seconds in the microwave. Enjoy!
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Must-Know Tips
Professional Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.
How long does Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken last in the fridge?
The Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
What other hot sauce variations can I use for this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces, such as sriracha or Tabasco, to find the perfect level of heat and flavor that suits your preferences.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken thighs in this recipe. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
How do I prevent the honey from burning during baking?
To prevent the honey from burning, you can cover the chicken loosely with foil during the initial baking process, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the honey to caramelize.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free while still achieving that crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful and satisfying dish that hits all the right notes of crunchiness, spiciness, and sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cozy night at home or planning a special dinner for loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this flavorful dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
