Get ready to indulge in the flavorful and satisfying Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish features juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy, crunchy breading, drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that elevates every bite into a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey sauce adds a unique twist, balancing sweetness with heat for an unforgettable taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for weeknight meals, potlucks, or special occasions; it adapts to any dining scenario.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the bold flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to gather your tools for seamless cooking. Having everything ready will make the process quick and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow dishes (for breading)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even cooking and prevents mess while allowing air circulation for crispiness.
- Parchment paper: Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.
- Shallow dishes: Essential for efficiently breading the chicken without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot honey or chili-infused honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken thighs to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture first. Then dip back into the buttermilk before coating with panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure adherence.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a rack on top. Arrange the breaded chicken on this rack. Drizzle with melted butter for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and hot honey (or chili-infused honey). Stir until warmed through and well combined.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
Once out of the oven, drizzle hot honey sauce over each piece while still hot., allowing it to soak into that crunchy coating.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy this delightful combination of crunchy textures paired with spicy-sweet flavors!
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
Serve with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the spicy-sweet chicken.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the heat from the hot honey sauce.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that pairs well with the crunchy texture of the chicken.
- Blue Cheese Dip: Rich and tangy, this dip enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor works great as a side, soaking up any extra hot honey sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for sopping up delicious juices from the chicken.
Offer Tasty Wraps
- Chicken Wraps: Shred leftover chicken and wrap it in tortillas with lettuce and your favorite sauces for an easy meal.
- Sliders: Serve mini sandwiches using the baked chicken on slider buns with toppings of your choice.
How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, consider these helpful tips:
- Marinade Duration: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
- Flour Mixture: Use a combination of spices in your flour mixture to enhance the taste of each bite.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for Japanese panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Baking Technique: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation for even crispiness.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after baking; this helps retain moisture before glazing.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
When planning a meal around Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes that will complement its flavors perfectly.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting base to balance the spicy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs beautifully with hot honey flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy classic is always a hit and offers a creamy contrast to crispy chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans bring an additional layer of flavor and heartiness to your meal.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice can be a filling option that absorbs some of the hot honey goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, some common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor and a dry texture. Make sure to allow enough time for the chicken to soak in the buttermilk.
- Using Low-Quality Honey: Poor-quality honey can ruin the hot honey sauce’s flavor. Choose a good quality honey for a delightful sweet taste.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven reaches 425°F before baking.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many chicken pieces close together can prevent them from getting crispy. Use a rack and space them out for optimal crispiness.
- Ignoring Cooking Temperature: Not checking the internal temperature of the chicken may lead to undercooked or overcooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken so special?
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines crispy texture with sweet and spicy flavors, creating an irresistible dish everyone will love.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; however, they may need less cooking time than thighs.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The spice level depends on how much cayenne pepper you use and whether you choose regular or hot honey. Adjust according to your preference!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight and bake it just before serving for fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or sauces. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings—give it a try!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish features succulent chicken thighs enveloped in a golden, crispy coating, enhanced by a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that adds a unique flavor explosion. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is simple to make yet delivers bold flavors that will please everyone at the table. Marinated for tenderness and baked for crunchiness, each bite offers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this easy and delicious comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot honey or chili-infused honey
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and optional hot sauce for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a shallow dish.
- Coat marinated chicken first in flour mixture, then back in buttermilk, and finally in panko breadcrumbs.
- Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a rack underneath. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For the hot honey sauce, gently warm honey and hot honey together in a small saucepan.
- Drizzle the sauce over the baked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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