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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

A flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, offering a satisfying crunch with a delicious sweet and spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and coating
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs) You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For the hot honey sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce Adjust spice levels according to preference.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice Optional, adds extra zing.
For garnishing
  • Fresh chopped parsley For garnish.
  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
  4. In a separate dish, beat the eggs until frothy.
  5. In another dish, spread panko breadcrumbs.
Coating the Chicken
  1. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg, and then coat it well with panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, spray with cooking spray or drizzle with some olive oil.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.
Making the Hot Honey Sauce
  1. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
  2. You can optionally add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for an extra zing.
Serving
  1. After removing the chicken from the oven, drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds/crushed peanuts for a delicious finish. Serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended.