This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a tasty dish that combines crunchy chicken with a spicy and sweet sauce. You won’t believe how simple it is to make in the oven!
The hot honey gives this chicken a fun kick, and the crispy coating is hard to resist. I love serving it with some rice or veggies. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually go for boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts can also work well if you prefer. If you want a lighter option, you can use turkey breast instead!
Buttermilk: This ingredient makes the chicken tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken!
Panko Bread Crumbs: These give a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular bread crumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Honey and Hot Sauce: This combo is key for that sweet and spicy flavor! You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a different twist, and try any hot sauce you like. Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot are great choices!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Getting that tasty crunch is all about the coating! Here’s how to do it:
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key; it tenderizes and flavors the meat.
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in the flour and panko mix. The more even the coating, the crunchier it will be!
- Spraying the chicken lightly with cooking spray or oil before baking helps with browning and crisping.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through ensures both sides get nice and golden.
Remember, baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness! Enjoy making it!
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious meal that’s easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for an even better flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, mix the flour and panko bread crumbs in a separate shallow bowl. This mixture will help create that crispy coating!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture. Let any excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge the chicken in the flour and panko mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle a bit of oil over the chicken to help it crisp up while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip the pieces halfway through the baking time. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Warm the mixture while stirring until fully combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste preference!
8. Drizzle Sauce on Chicken:
Once the chicken is out of the oven and still hot, brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce over each piece, ensuring a nice sticky coating.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve your Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken immediately while it’s still warm and crispy!
Enjoy your delicious meal! 🍗🔥
FAQ for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Can I Use Thighs or Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while breasts are leaner. Choose whichever you prefer, or you can mix both for variety!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will work!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes—the result will be similar!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness or warm it in the microwave, though it may lose some crunch that way.
