Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken garnished and served on a plate.
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a sophisticated take on a classic favorite, merging savory, sweet, and spicy into each delectable bite. This dish stands out with its crisp golden coating and a drizzle of luscious hot honey, creating a delightful contrast with tender chicken. Understated yet remarkable, it makes for an impressive centerpiece at any table.

Why Make This Recipe

  • Effortless Yet Elegant: This recipe simplifies gourmet cooking with accessible techniques.
  • Minimal Ingredients: A handful of high-quality components elevate flavor without fuss.
  • Impressive Flavor: The perfect balance of heat and sweetness will tantalize the palate.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken transcends ordinary poultry dishes, transforming simple chicken into a culinary experience that commands attention.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons hot honey (for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory finish)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a delightful crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • Fresh herbs (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Tip: Use room-temperature buttermilk for better absorption, and fresh herbs to brighten the dish.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts in buttermilk, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This step promotes tenderness and flavor.
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In another dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated, ensuring a golden texture after baking.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each breast in the seasoned flour, then press into the buttery panko mixture for maximum crunch.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Drizzle with Hot Honey: As the chicken finishes baking, warm the hot honey in a small saucepan until pourable. Drizzle generously over the chicken just before serving.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

For an elegant presentation, arrange the chicken on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle with additional hot honey and garnish with finely chopped herbs. Serve with roasted vegetables, sweet potato mash, or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced meal.

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through — this keeps the coating crispy.

Tips to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  1. Double the Honey: For a stronger flavor, increase the hot honey or infuse it with chili flakes.
  2. Experiment with Breading: Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for an even crunchier crust.
  3. Add Heat: Mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for extra spice.
  4. Ensure Even Cooking: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  5. Try Bone-In Cuts: Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier texture (increase cooking time accordingly).

Variation

For a delicious twist, replace the hot honey with maple syrup and add smoked chili powder to the breading for a smoky-sweet flavor. Pair with spiced apple chutney for an elevated, autumn-inspired experience.

FAQs

What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

Great sides include roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad for balance.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar texture.

How spicy is the hot honey chicken?

The spice level depends on your hot honey. For a milder version, use a low-heat honey or reduce the drizzle amount.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect harmony of texture and flavor, crispy, sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tender. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish embodies effortless sophistication.

Try it, make it your own, and share your creation online! How would you elevate this flavorful classic?

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

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  • Author: chef-ava
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
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Description

A sophisticated take on classic fried chicken with a crispy coating and a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 3 tablespoons hot honey (for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory finish)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a delightful crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • Fresh herbs (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Submerge chicken breasts in buttermilk and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In another dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour, then press into the buttery panko mixture.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Warm hot honey in a small saucepan and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with seasonal vegetables or arugula salad.

Notes

For best flavor, use room temperature buttermilk and consider adjusting the hot honey based on your heat preference.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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