This crispy baked hot honey chicken is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! The chicken gets a crunchy coating while the hot honey sauce adds a kick that makes each bite exciting.
I love how easy it is to whip up—no frying mess! Just bake and enjoy the tasty results. Pro tip: Serve it with veggies or rice for a delightful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. However, chicken breasts work just fine! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can even use turkey breasts.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice crunch, but you could use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed. Just note that gluten-free options might not be as crispy.
Honey: Honey adds a wonderful sweetness. If you need a substitute, agave syrup works well. For a lower-carb option, you can use a sugar-free honey alternative.
Hot Sauce: I love using sriracha for its flavor, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer less heat, try a milder one or reduce the amount.
How Do You Get Crispy Coating on Baked Chicken?
The trick to getting that crave-worthy crispy texture without frying is in the preparation. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating. This helps the flour stick better.
- Use a two-step breading process: dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then in the egg mixture. This double coating helps lock in moisture and gives a great crunch.
- Make sure to spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking. This small step helps crisp up the coating.
- Bake in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and browning. Flipping halfway through gives even crispiness!
How to Make Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. You get a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful and crispy coating!
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. This egg wash will help the flour stick to the chicken nicely.
4. Cut the Chicken:
Trim any excess fat from the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces or strips. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash first, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the flour sticks. Place the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Before baking, lightly spray the top of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the honey and hot sauce. Mix until well combined and warmed through, then remove it from the heat.
8. Toss in Hot Honey:
When the chicken is finished baking, remove it from the oven and toss the pieces gently in the hot honey sauce until each piece is evenly coated. This adds that sweet and spicy flavor that makes this dish extra special.
9. Serve:
Serve your crispy baked hot honey chicken immediately while it’s hot and crispy. You can garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a little extra flavor and presentation!
Enjoy your delicious crispy baked hot honey chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Parts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use chicken drumsticks or wings. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since bone-in chicken may take longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking to amp up the heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add more hot sauce to the honey sauce. You might also consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when mixing the hot honey sauce!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until heated, being careful not to overcook.
