Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the succulence of tender chicken breasts with the sweet heat of honey and hot sauce. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one filled with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by coating it evenly with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create the hot honey sauce.
- Pour the hot honey sauce over the breaded chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Optionally, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking to enhance the flavors and keep the chicken moist.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- For extra crispy chicken, you can spray the breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray or lightly drizzle them with olive oil before baking.
- Serve the baked hot honey chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a tantalizing dish that combines crispy breaded chicken breasts with a sweet and spicy glaze, creating a harmony of flavors that is sure to impress. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade hot honey chicken straight from your oven, and savor every bite of this irresistible dish!