Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the savory and sweet, creating a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds. This recipe has its roots in Southern cuisine, where fried chicken reigns supreme, but weve taken a healthier twist by baking it to achieve that irresistible crunch without the excess oil. The addition of hot honey elevates this dish, infusing it with a spicy-sweet kick that has become a favorite among food enthusiasts.
People love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken not only for its mouthwatering taste but also for its satisfying texture. The crispy coating gives way to tender, juicy chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. Moreover, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served with a side of coleslaw or over a bed of fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will be used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. These will give the chicken its crunchy texture.
Breading the Chicken
- Take one chicken thigh and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all chicken thighs.
- Once all the chicken is breaded, place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
Baking the Chicken
- Drizzle the olive oil over the breaded chicken thighs. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Preparing the Hot Honey Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot honey and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a few red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Stir the mixture until it is warmed through and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Drizzle the prepared hot honey sauce generously over the baked chicken thighs. You can also serve some on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the baked crunchy hot honey chicken with your choice of sides. Some great options include:
- Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
- Roasted vegetables for a healthy addition
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting side
- Rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce
- For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating
- If you
Conclusion:
In summary, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a must-try recipe that perfectly balances the savory crunch of the coating with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, this chicken is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw, fluffy rice, or crispy roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding different spices to the coating or trying out different types of honey for a unique twist on the flavor profile. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic version or make your own adaptations, we would love to hear how it turns out. Dont forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media so we can celebrate your culinary success together. Dive into the deliciousness of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken and make it a staple in your recipe repertoire! Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Deliciously Spicy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This baked hot honey chicken features crispy panko-coated thighs drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 pounds of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge one chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Repeat for all chicken thighs.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breaded chicken thighs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- For extra crunch, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot honey and a pinch of salt. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra spice if desired.
- Stir until warmed through and well combined (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken thighs and serve some on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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