Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The essential foundation of this dish, bone-in ensures juiciness while skin crisps beautifully. Pat chicken dry for optimal crunch.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating, helping achieve that irresistible baked crunch. Don’t overcoat to avoid a gummy texture.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: An essential partner to flour, cornstarch ensures an extra crispy exterior for your chicken. Mix thoroughly for best results.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: The secret weapon for unbelievably crispy skin! Reacts with moisture, creating tiny air bubbles for superior crunch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the coating adhere and promotes even browning and crispiness during baking. A light drizzle is all you need.
• 1/2 cup honey: The star of our “hot honey” glaze, providing perfect sticky sweetness. Use good quality, local honey for best flavor.
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): Brings the “hot” to our hot honey chicken, balancing sweetness with a delightful kick. Adjust to taste.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Cuts through sweetness and heat, adding a crucial bright tang to the hot honey glaze. Essential for perfect balance.
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and savory depth to the glaze, complementing sweet and spicy notes beautifully. Low-sodium is key.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: An essential aromatic, garlic powder infuses chicken and glaze with warm, savory flavor. Granulated works best.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides beautiful color and subtly smoky depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. A key ingredient for complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For an extra fiery kick! This spice amplifies the “hot” in your hot honey chicken experience. Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all flavors in the glaze. Fine sea salt distributes well.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds pungent warmth and subtle spice, enhancing the savory profile. Freshly grind for best aroma and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped: Provides a fresh, oniony garnish and pop of color, brightening the rich flavors. Sprinkle just before serving.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch. Toast lightly for maximum flavor.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs very dry. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. This dry blend is key for crispy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Coat Chicken:

Drizzle chicken with olive oil, then toss to coat. Dredge each thigh generously in the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, ready for baking.

Make Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This forms your irresistible hot honey glaze.

Bake Chicken:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the coated chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This initial bake ensures a great base for your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Glaze Chicken:

Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes slightly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest Chicken:

Remove the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken from the oven. Let it rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat under that crispy skin.

Garnish & Serve:

Garnish your delicious chicken with fresh chopped chives and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy this satisfying, flavorful weeknight meal that everyone will crave.

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days to keep it fresh. Don’t do what I did and leave it out too long, as the skin will become soggy and unsafe. Discard if you notice any off smells or sliminess.

If making ahead, prepare the dry coating and glaze up to 2 days in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers. For best results, coat and bake the chicken right before serving. When reheating, spread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to help regain crispiness.

What to Serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

For a simple weeknight meal, serve your Irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately, hot from the oven. For special occasions, garnish with extra fresh chives and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation. This dish is perfect when paired with a refreshing side like creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Enjoy the satisfying blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

Personally, I always love to serve this chicken alongside fluffy white rice. The rice perfectly soaks up all that incredible hot honey glaze, creating a truly comforting and complete meal. It’s a pairing that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent soggy skin when making this hot honey chicken?

Patting the chicken very dry is crucial for crispy skin. My first attempts were soggy disasters! Ensure a wire rack is used for even air circulation during baking. This helps moisture escape, creating that perfect crunch.

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs for Irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

While you can, I strongly recommend bone-in, skin-on thighs. Boneless tends to dry out faster and lacks the robust flavor. Bone-in also helps achieve that coveted crispy skin, which is essential for this recipe.

→ Can I prep Irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken ahead for weeknight meals?

Yes, you can prep the dry coating and glaze up to two days prior. Store them separately in airtight containers. For the best crispiness, coat and bake the chicken right before serving; it’s worth the fresh effort.

→ How long can I store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken safely?

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet to help regain some crispiness, avoiding the microwave if possible. Don’t leave it out too long!

→ Can I make this baked crunchy hot honey chicken recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari works great). The rest of the ingredients are typically fine, making it adaptable.