If you’re in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and heat, look no further than Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This mouthwatering recipe features juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy, crunchy exterior and drizzled with a sticky hot honey sauce that elevates each bite to new heights. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in. With its ease of preparation and bold flavors, this chicken dish is sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Balance: The sweet honey and spicy elements create an irresistible flavor combination that will keep you coming back for more.
- Crispy Texture: Baking instead of frying gives you that satisfying crunch without the extra oil, making it a healthier option.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in a snap, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Ingredients List
To prepare Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Soak Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour-cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium-low until warmed through and well combined.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
- Coat with Sauce: Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken pieces before serving. Toss gently to coat if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes.
- Honey Mustard Twist: Mix honey with Dijon mustard for a tangy alternative to the hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and will remain juicy and flavorful. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What kind of hot sauce should I use?
You can use your favorite hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot or Sriracha, depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time, then bake it just before serving.
What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
We’d love to hear how your hot honey chicken turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, crispy, and drizzled with sticky hot honey sauce, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture and place on baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and paprika in a saucepan. Warm until combined.
- Drizzle hot honey sauce over chicken before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and cornflakes. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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