Description
If you're a fan of food that hits every note—crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy—this Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to be your new obsession. It’s the ultimate combo of oven-baked comfort and fiery flair. The outside is crackly and golden, while the inside stays perfectly tender. Once drizzled with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze, it’s nothing short of irresistible.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (roughly 1.5 lbs)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but tasty)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for that unbeatable crunch)
Hot Honey Sauce Components
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¼ cup honey
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2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s or your favorite brand)
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added fire)
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1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for tang)
Optional Garnishes
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Chopped fresh parsley
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Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even cooking.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
and in a second bowl, beat your eggs.
In the third bowl, pour in your panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Pat each chicken piece dry with paper towels. Dip one at a time into the seasoned flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat it well in panko. Press lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere nicely.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Place the breaded chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Give each piece a light spray of cooking oil or a drizzle of olive oil to boost crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken is done when it’s golden and reads 165°F (74°C) inside.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken’s in the oven, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice or vinegar. Warm everything together until it’s smooth and steamy—not boiling.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Take the chicken out and spoon or brush the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flair.
Notes
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Add Sweetness Variations: Try hot maple syrup instead of honey for a warm, smoky-sweet twist, especially during colder months.
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Sauce Consistency Matters: Simmer the hot honey sauce just enough to thicken slightly – you want it to coat, not run off the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Dinner , main course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg