Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: baked crunchy hot honey chicken! It’s this amazing dish where juicy chicken thighs are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and then slathered in a sweet-spicy honey glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance. Seriously, the combination of crunchy texture and that sticky, flavorful glaze is simply irresistible. It’s like a party in your mouth! I love how easy it is to whip up, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes? Wow! You’ll want to dive right in as soon as it comes out of the oven. Trust me, this baked crunchy hot honey chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
To make my baked crunchy hot honey chicken, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, skinless and bone-in for maximum juiciness
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, I love using panko for that extra crunch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to help the coating stick
- 2 large eggs, beaten for a nice binding
- 1/4 cup honey to add that perfect sweetness
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce for a kick of heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for that savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder to enhance flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is key!
How to Prepare Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Alright, let’s get down to business and prepare this delicious baked crunchy hot honey chicken! First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because we want that perfect crispiness on our chicken. While that’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix together the honey and hot sauce. This sticky glaze is going to give your chicken that sweet and spicy kick we all love!
Now, set up a little assembly line. In one bowl, add your all-purpose flour. In another, beat those two eggs until they’re nice and frothy. And in a third bowl, pour in the breadcrumbs. I like to use panko for that extra crunch, but regular ones work too!
Now, let’s coat our chicken. Take each thigh and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Place your beautifully coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Here’s the fun part: brush that hot honey mixture generously over the top of each piece! This will create a lovely glaze as they bake. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving, and then enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness you just created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can have this delicious baked crunchy hot honey chicken on the table in just 45 minutes!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce creates an irresistible glaze that elevates the chicken to new heights.
- Healthier option: Baking instead of frying means less grease, and chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor without sacrificing taste.
- Easy cleanup: With just a few bowls and a baking sheet, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, and everyone will be going back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your baked crunchy hot honey chicken truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy with the hot sauce; adjust it to your taste to find that perfect level of spice! If you want an even crunchier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They make a world of difference!
Also, let your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps keep it juicy and delicious. Serve it up with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. And if you have any leftover hot honey glaze, drizzle it over the top just before serving for an extra kick. Trust me, you’ll be the star of dinner with these tips!
Variations of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
One of the best things about baked crunchy hot honey chicken is how adaptable it is! Want to switch things up? Try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mixture, like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the honey for maple syrup for a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat!
For those who love garlic, mix some minced garlic into the hot honey glaze for an aromatic twist. And if you’re trying to cut back on carbs, use almond flour or crushed nuts for the coating instead of breadcrumbs. You can even grill the chicken for a smoky flavor—just adjust the cooking time accordingly! The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your baked crunchy hot honey chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it might not last that long because it’s so delicious!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep that lovely crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop it in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. Just avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the chicken soggy. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! A serving of this baked crunchy hot honey chicken (that’s one thigh) typically contains around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat and 25g of protein. You’ll also find around 20g of carbohydrates and 10g of sugar in there. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, you can definitely use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have hot sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with sriracha, or even a spicy BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount to your spice preference!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and the glaze a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, follow the baking instructions. It saves time and is perfect for busy weeknights!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned earlier!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: 5 Irresistible Reasons
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Baked crunchy hot honey chicken is a flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey and hot sauce.
- In separate bowls, set up flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken thigh in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet.
- Brush the hot honey mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: baked crunchy hot honey chicken
