This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy breaded chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze for a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snack!
Author:Lena
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Non-vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/4cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)
For Garnish (optional):
Fresh chopped parsley
Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.
Glaze the Chicken: When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like extra sauce, you can toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
You can adjust the level of spiciness in the hot honey sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.