EASY BAKED CRUNCHY HOT HONEY CHICKEN

Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of perfectly crispy chicken, the kind that shatters with each bite, followed by the sweet, spicy warmth of honey and a hint of chili – it’s an explosion of flavor! This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe delivers that incredible experience without the fuss of frying, making it a weeknight winner. I promise, this is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Crunchy Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Marinade the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.

Preparing the Crunchy Coating

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the crunchy coating. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Coating the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Baking the Chicken

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Making the Hot Honey Glaze

1. While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, butter, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. This should only take a few minutes. Be careful not to burn the honey.

Glazing and Serving

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and immediately brush it generously with the hot honey glaze.
2. Serve the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately. It’s delicious on its own, or served with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Best Crunchy Chicken

Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Marinade

Trust me on this one! The buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken, but it also helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Press the Breadcrumbs Firmly

This is key to getting that super crunchy coating. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken pieces so they stay put during baking.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet

Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to get crispy. Bake in batches if necessary.

Adjust the Heat

The amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the glaze can be adjusted to your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Variations and Swaps

Chicken Cuts

While this recipe is written for chicken breasts, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Keep in mind that thighs may require a slightly longer baking time.

Spice It Up

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicier hot sauce in the glaze.

Sweeten It Up

If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the honey mixture.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a main course: Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.
• In sandwiches: Use the chicken in sandwiches or sliders with your favorite toppings.
• On salads: Top a salad with the chicken for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.
• As appetizers: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers with toothpicks.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

If you loved this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, be sure to check out some of my other favorite chicken recipes!

For a comforting and easy meal, try Ranch Chicken Crock Pot. Or, if you’re in the mood for pasta, the Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a must-try. For another crispy baked option, check out Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken. And for a quick and delicious crockpot meal, give Crockpot Chicken Tortellini a try. If you love a sweet and spicy kick, you might also enjoy Bang Bang Chicken. Don’t forget the classic Crispy Parmesan Chicken!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing

Leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but the coating may not be as crispy. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is truly a flavor explosion in every bite, and it’s so much easier to make than you might think. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!