Prepare your palate for a culinary adventure with this incredible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a chicken dish that delivers on both flavor and texture. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces, enrobed in a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy crust, all topped with a glossy, sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze. It’s a mouthwatering experience that will quickly earn a spot in your weekly rotation.
We all love crispy chicken, but the thought of deep-frying can be daunting. This recipe brilliantly achieves that desirable crunch through baking, offering a healthier and much easier alternative without compromising on deliciousness. The beauty of hot honey lies in its versatility; you can dial the heat up or down to perfectly match your family's preference, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You'll Adore This Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Here's why you'll be making it again and again:
- Crispiness Without the Fuss: Achieve an amazing crunch with simple baking techniques, making it healthier and less messy than traditional fried chicken.
- Dynamic Flavor Profile: The hot honey sauce offers a captivating balance of sweet and fiery notes that awakens the taste buds.
- Effortless Preparation: With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Perfectly Adaptable: Serve it as a main course, an appetizer, or tucked into sandwiches – it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Essential Ingredients for Your Hot Honey Chicken
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful dish is a breeze:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornflakes, finely crushed (for that unbeatable crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
For the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a richer depth of flavor)
Bringing Your Dish to Life: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, place the chicken pieces and pour buttermilk over them. Stir to ensure all chicken is coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to marinate. This step is crucial for tender chicken, much like when preparing Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak – Clara's Recipes.
- Step 2: Create the Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish or a large resealable bag, combine the all-purpose flour, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer chicken pieces, one by one, to the flour and cornflake mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even, generous coating on all sides.
- Step 4: Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with cooking oil.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm and well combined. Do not boil. For more information on different chili varieties that create diverse hot sauces, consider exploring resources like Wikipedia's page on Hot Sauce.
- Step 7: Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven. You can either toss all the chicken in the hot honey sauce in a large bowl, or drizzle the sauce generously over individual servings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a multitude of sides:
- Classic Pairings: Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a side of steamed green beans.
- Fresh & Light: A simple garden salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
- Comfort Food Sides: Consider serving it alongside a hearty casserole, perhaps something like Easy Chicken Tetrazzini for a truly comforting meal.
- Sandwich Style: Serve on toasted slider buns with a dollop of coleslaw for a casual and fun dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers:
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store any remaining hot honey sauce separately.
- Reheating for Crispiness: To revive that delightful crunch, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until thoroughly heated. Drizzle with extra hot honey sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.
Savor Every Sweet and Spicy Bite!
I hope this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brings a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch to your table. It’s a recipe designed to be easy, delicious, and a true family favorite. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite hot sauces or serve it with different sides to make it uniquely yours!
FAQs
What gives this hot honey chicken its irresistible crunch?
The secret to the amazing crunch in this baked chicken lies in the crushed cornflakes mixed into the flour coating. When baked, they create a wonderfully crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying.
Can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce?
Absolutely! The amount of hot sauce in the hot honey glaze can be easily adjusted to your preference. Use less for a mild kick or more for a fiery experience.
What are the best chicken cuts to use for this recipe?
Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) work wonderfully for this recipe. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness, though cooking time might vary slightly.
How should I store and reheat leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To best retain crispiness, reheat in an air fryer at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) for 5-7 minutes or in a preheated oven at 375u00b0F (190u00b0C) for 10-15 minutes, then drizzle with fresh hot honey sauce.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in cornflakes and baked to perfection, then tossed in a delectable sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornflakes, finely crushed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, place the chicken pieces and pour buttermilk over them. Stir to ensure all chicken is coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to marinate.
Step 2: In a shallow dish or a large resealable bag, combine the all-purpose flour, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer chicken pieces, one by one, to the flour and cornflake mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even, generous coating on all sides.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with cooking oil.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
Step 6: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm and well combined. Do not boil.
Step 7: Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven. You can either toss all the chicken in the hot honey sauce in a large bowl, or drizzle the sauce generously over individual servings. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure cornflakes are finely crushed. Adjust hot sauce to your preferred heat level. Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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