Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star of this dish, providing juicy, tender meat. Pat them dry thoroughly for a crispier coating.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the initial dry layer for the crunchy coating. Ensures the egg wash adheres perfectly, leading to better crispiness.
• 1 large egg: Acts as the crucial binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Whisk well for an even coating.
• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that ultimate golden, crunchy hot honey chicken exterior. Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs for this essential texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: An essential seasoning, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor before baking. Adjust to your preference for a perfectly seasoned base.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick to the chicken coating. Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.
• ½ cup honey: The sweet foundation of our irresistible hot honey glaze. Use a good quality, local honey for best flavor.
• ¼ cup hot sauce: Provides the signature ‘hot’ element to the glaze. Adjust the amount to control the spicy kick you crave.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the glaze, adding a luscious, smooth texture and depth of flavor. Melts beautifully into the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness and heat, adding a crucial tang to the glaze. Don’t skip this for a well-rounded flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and pungency to the hot honey glaze. Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the crunchy chicken coating with savory garlic notes. An essential flavor builder for delicious chicken.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a beautiful color and a subtle smoky depth to the chicken’s crispy exterior. Enhances overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color. Sprinkle generously before serving.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Provides a subtle nutty flavor and an appealing visual finish. Toast lightly for enhanced aroma.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs dry, cut into 1-inch pieces. Prepare three stations: seasoned flour, beaten egg, and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. This essential prep creates the perfect base for your delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Coat Chicken:

Dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally press firmly into the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Ensure a complete, even coating for maximum crispiness.

Make Glaze:

Whisk honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to reduce and slightly thicken.

Bake Chicken:

Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Glaze & Toss:

Once baked, transfer the hot chicken pieces to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the chicken, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Ensure each piece of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is deliciously sticky.

Garnish & Serve:

Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final touch. Serve your incredible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately and enjoy!

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To keep your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this, the chicken can dry out and lose its crispness – don’t leave it out too long, or you’ll regret it! Look for any off smells or sliminess as signs of spoilage.

You can prep the chicken coating components a day in advance, storing them separately. The hot honey glaze can also be made and refrigerated. For the best crispiness, assemble and bake the chicken just before serving.

When reheating, arrange chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to regain some crunch.

What to Serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately, hot and glistening. Garnish with extra parsley and sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation, perfect for any occasion. This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice to soak up the glaze, or a crisp green salad. You’ll truly enjoy every sweet and spicy bite!

I love to serve this chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, with a simple side of steamed green beans. The textures and flavors perfectly complement each other, creating an incredibly satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they might dry out faster. Cut them into similar 1-inch pieces and monitor baking time closely. Thighs offer more juiciness, which I prefer.

→ How do I prevent soggy breading on my Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

My biggest mistake too! Always pat the chicken completely dry before coating. Chilling the coated chicken for 15 minutes also helps the breading adhere better, ensuring maximum crispness.

→ Can I make this Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. It works beautifully.

→ How long can I store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat on a baking sheet to regain some crispness, as it loses crunch.

→ Can I prep the chicken coating components or glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prep the coating stations and glaze a day ahead, storing them separately. For optimal crispness, I always assemble and bake the chicken just before serving.