Irresistibly Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken takes an unexpected turn with this delectable hot honey baked chicken recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

A perfect balance of sweet and spicy creates an irresistible dish you can’t wait to devour.

Golden-brown edges crackle with an addictive glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

honey infused with gentle heat brings a sophisticated twist to classic comfort food.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Pantry staples come together seamlessly to craft a meal that looks impressive but requires zero culinary expertise.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this crowd-pleasing sensation that’ll have people asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken strips are ideal because they’re tender, cook quickly, and absorb marinade flavors perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to maintain the crunch.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, which helps prevent soggy bottoms and keeps the coating crisp and golden.

• Is buttermilk essential for the marinade?

Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading stick. If unavailable, you can substitute with plain yogurt mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar tangy, thick consistency.

Hot Honey Chicken With Crunch and a Hint of Sweet Heat

• Boost Quick Family Dinner: Perfect weeknight meal that comes together super fast with minimal ingredients and steps, making it ideal for busy households.
• Customize Spice Levels: Easily adjust heat by varying hot sauce amounts, allowing everyone from mild-loving kids to spice enthusiasts to enjoy this chicken.
• Restaurant-Quality Crunch: Delivers crispy exterior and juicy interior without deep-frying, giving home cooks a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips.
• Simple Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic pantry staples and a straightforward marinating technique that infuses chicken with bold, tangy-sweet taste in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients Behind the Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy base for the marinade.
• Hot Sauce: Provides spicy heat and deep flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic seasoning and depth to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a smoky, rich undertone to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick and warmth to the marinade.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a super crispy, light exterior for the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick and provides a base for crunchiness.
• Cornstarch: Ensures an extra crisp texture when baking.

• Hot Honey: Provides a sweet and spicy glaze for the baked chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden browning and adds moisture to the coating.

Hot Honey Chicken Crunchy Bake Guide

Step 1: Whip Up a Zesty Marinade

Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Submerge the chicken strips completely, ensuring every piece gets coated with the tangy mixture.

Seal the bowl and let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or go all out and marinate for up to 8 hours for an extra punch of taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently shake off excess marinade from each chicken strip before rolling it thoroughly in the seasoned coating.

Press the mixture firmly to ensure a thick, even layer of crunch.

Step 3: Set Up for Baking

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Arrange the coated chicken strips with space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate and create maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through to ensure even browning.

The chicken is ready when it reaches a beautiful golden-brown color and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey Finale

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Drizzle generously with hot honey, creating a sweet and spicy glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and warm.

Coating Tricks for Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Let chicken marinate overnight in the buttermilk mixture to develop deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Crush cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs extra fine for an ultra-crispy coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
• Swap hot sauce with mild sauce for kids or add extra cayenne for heat lovers, customizing the dish to your family's preferences.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring chicken stays crispy without excess oil and reduces calories compared to deep-frying.
• Pat chicken strips completely dry before coating to help breading stick better and achieve a crunchier exterior.

Hot Honey Chicken Storage Help

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain crispiness.
• While not ideal for maintaining crunch, quickly reheat chicken on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken

Savor Sweet Heat Harmony: Perfectly Complement Hot Honey Chicken

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the spicy-sweet chicken, cutting through the heat while enhancing the honey's delicate sweetness.
• Cool Down with Tangy Slaw: Create a creamy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the chicken's intense flavors, offering a crisp texture contrast.
• Match Craft Beer Brilliance: Choose a hoppy IPA or a smooth wheat beer that can stand up to the chicken's bold spiciness, with the beer's carbonation cleansing the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick blue cheese or ranch dressing with extra hot sauce to complement the chicken's heat, giving diners a cool, creamy option for dipping.

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Spicy Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat-based breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy coating that works perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to maintain the tenderizing effect while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For mild heat lovers, reduce hot sauce quantity or substitute with mild buffalo sauce; for extreme heat enthusiasts, add cayenne pepper or use habanero-based hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken strips with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same marinating and coating technique to create a plant-based version of this crunchy hot honey chicken recipe.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken delivers a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent chicken pieces glazed with golden honey and fiery spices promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips) or 4 chicken thighs

Breading Mixture:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Marinade and Sauce:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by whisking buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken strips completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and infused with the spicy mixture.
3. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid, allowing the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour or up to eight hours for maximum flavor penetration.
4. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature, preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for optimal crispiness.
5. Prepare the crispy coating by combining panko breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and additional seasonings in a shallow dish, creating a textured and flavorful exterior.
6. Remove chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then carefully dredge each piece in the crunchy coating, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
7. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote even browning and maintain their crisp texture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching the safe consumption point.
9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly to help the coating set and maintain its crunchiness.
10. Drizzle with hot honey just before serving, creating a sweet and spicy finish that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that penetrate the meat completely.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Pat chicken strips completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Experiment with different hot sauce varieties like Sriracha or Cholula to customize heat levels and taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg