Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious twist on classic baked chicken? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe brings a bold and balanced combination of spice, sweetness, and crunch—all without the need for a fryer! The secret is a flavorful, sticky hot honey glaze over a crispy, oven-baked chicken coating, which makes this dish a new family favorite or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Here’s everything you need to know to make this easy, mouth-watering recipe at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This dish is a fantastic option for those craving a sweet and spicy kick with a health-conscious twist. Baking the chicken keeps it lower in fat while achieving a crispy texture, thanks to a seasoned coating that ensures every bite is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Topped with a homemade hot honey glaze, this chicken is the ultimate mix of flavors.

Ingredients

For Baked Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

this recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken strip in flour, then coat it in egg, and finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
2. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. While the chicken is baking, mix the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Once the chicken is baked, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey if desired.

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Tips for the Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for this baked recipe.
• Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.
• Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch or a creamy honey mustard sauce for added flavor variety.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~300
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 8g

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Serving Suggestions

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or roasted veggies. You can also cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to serve as an appetizer or add it to a wrap for a tasty, spicy twist.

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Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy chicken with a tantalizing hot honey glaze that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something with a kick, this dish is both easy and impressive. Give it a try, and let the deliciously addictive blend of sweet heat make its way into your regular meal rotation!

Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serving Tips:

• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a dash of extra red pepper flakes for presentation and a flavor boost.
• Dipping Sauces: This chicken pairs wonderfully with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy honey mustard sauce for added contrast to the spicy glaze.
• Great in Wraps or Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and add it to wraps, sandwiches, or even tacos with fresh veggies and coleslaw for a filling meal with added crunch.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To help maintain crispiness, store the glaze separately if possible and add it before serving.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep the coating crispy compared to microwaving.
• Freezing: Freeze fully baked, ungarnished chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing.

Following these tips will help you enjoy this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with its crispy texture and delicious flavor even after storing!

1. Can I make the hot honey glaze less spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of hot sauce and omitting the red pepper flakes. You can also add a little more honey to balance out the heat and create a milder glaze.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. How can I keep the chicken crispy when reheating?
The best way to reheat and retain crispiness is by using an oven or air fryer. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also make the hot honey glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Warm the glaze before brushing it on the baked chicken.

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