Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a recipe that has become a staple in our household, and for good reason. From the first crispy bite to the lingering sweet and spicy warmth, this dish is a symphony of textures and flavors that always leaves us wanting more. I remember the first time I made it – a weeknight dinner, craving something exciting but not overly complicated. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the chicken baked was intoxicating, a promise of the deliciousness to come. And it delivered, spectacularly. My family, usually a tough crowd to please, devoured it. The kids loved the crunchy coating and the subtle sweetness, while my husband and I appreciated the kick of heat that balanced it perfectly. It’s become our go-to for casual gatherings, potlucks, and even those nights when we just need a little comfort food with a flavorful twist. This isn’t just baked chicken; it’s an experience – a crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy explosion that will transform your weeknight dinner routine.

Ingredients

This recipe thrives on a harmonious blend of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and that signature hot honey glaze. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Pieces (Thighs and Drumsticks Recommended): Bone-in, skin-on chicken is crucial for achieving maximum flavor and juiciness. Thighs and drumsticks are particularly forgiving and remain moist during baking, offering a richer taste compared to chicken breasts. The skin renders beautifully, contributing to the overall crispiness of the final dish. You can use a mix of thighs and drumsticks for varied textures and visual appeal.
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of our crispy breading. It provides structure and helps the spices adhere to the chicken, creating that satisfying crunch when baked.
• ½ Cup Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret weapon for extra crispiness. When combined with flour, it creates a lighter, more delicate crust that becomes incredibly crunchy in the oven. It also helps to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
• 2 Teaspoons Paprika (Smoked Paprika Preferred): Paprika adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken. Smoked paprika elevates the flavor profile, lending a deeper, more complex smoky note that complements the hot honey beautifully. Regular paprika works as well but smoked paprika is highly recommended for enhanced flavor.
• 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the breading with a savory, aromatic depth. It’s a foundational flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken and complements the sweet and spicy elements.
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder: Onion powder adds another layer of savory depth, working in tandem with garlic powder to create a well-rounded flavor profile for the breading. It provides a subtle sweetness and umami that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano: Oregano adds a touch of herbaceousness and Mediterranean flair to the breading. Its slightly peppery and earthy notes provide a counterpoint to the sweetness and spice, adding complexity to the flavor.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme brings a subtle earthy, slightly minty aroma to the breading. It complements the oregano and other spices, adding another layer of herbal complexity that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• 1 Teaspoon Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning both the chicken and the breading. It enhances all the flavors and brings them into balance. Use kosher salt for best results, as it’s less salty by volume than table salt.
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the breading. Its pungent notes provide a counterpoint to the other spices and add depth to the dish.

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ Cup Honey: Honey is the star of the glaze, providing the essential sweetness and sticky texture. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey can add unique floral notes, while wildflower honey offers a balanced sweetness.
• ¼ Cup Hot Sauce (Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or your Favorite): The hot sauce is where the “hot” in hot honey comes from. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for its balanced heat and vinegar tang, while Cholula offers a smoky and slightly milder heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level and flavor profile. Consider the heat level and flavor notes of your chosen hot sauce to ensure it complements the honey.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter (Unsalted): Butter adds richness, smoothness, and a velvety texture to the hot honey glaze. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the glaze and ensures it doesn’t become overly salty.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a crucial touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter. It adds a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness and prevents the glaze from being cloying.
• 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Preferred): Soy sauce adds umami depth and a savory note to the hot honey glaze. Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness and prevent the glaze from becoming too salty. It enhances the complexity of the flavor profile and adds a subtle savory dimension.

Instructions

Creating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy chicken. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This is crucial for allowing air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to elevate the chicken slightly, but a wire rack is highly recommended for optimal results.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy skin. If desired, you can trim any excess skin or fat from the chicken pieces. Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is the foundation of the flavor.
3. Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This is your dry breading mixture. In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 tablespoons of water with one egg to create an egg wash. The egg wash helps the breading adhere to the chicken and adds richness.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken piece into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. This double breading technique is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between the pieces to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
5. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Halfway through baking, around 20-25 minutes, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides.
6. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth and well combined. Bring the glaze to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. Be careful not to boil the glaze vigorously, as it can become too thick and sugary.
7. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oven. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the hot honey glaze over all sides of the baked chicken pieces. Ensure each piece is well coated with the glaze.
8. Return to Oven for Final Bake: Return the glazed chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and slightly sticky. This final bake allows the glaze to set and adhere to the chicken, creating that signature sticky, sweet, and spicy coating. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this final bake to prevent the glaze from burning.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Resting also helps the glaze to set further. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important. Please note that the following nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: 4-6 (depending on portion size and side dishes)
• Calories Per Serving (Estimated): 550-700 calories

Approximate Breakdown Per Serving (Estimates):

• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Important Considerations:

• These are estimations and can vary. Factors like the specific cut of chicken, the type of hot sauce, and the amount of glaze used will influence the final nutritional values.
• The calorie count is relatively high due to the breading and the honey glaze. To reduce calories, you can consider using skinless chicken (though this will impact crispiness and flavor) or reducing the amount of glaze.
• This dish is a good source of protein but also contains a significant amount of fat and carbohydrates, primarily from the breading and honey.
• For more accurate nutritional information, you can use online recipe analyzers or nutrition tracking apps, inputting the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

Efficient meal preparation is key for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved in making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:

• Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
  • This includes gathering ingredients, preparing the chicken (patting dry, seasoning), setting up breading stations, and breading the chicken pieces.
• Cook Time: 45-52 minutes
  • This includes the initial baking time (40-45 minutes) and the final bake after glazing (5-7 minutes).
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 22 minutes

Tips to Speed Up Prep Time:

• Pre-chop Vegetables (if serving with sides): If you plan to serve roasted vegetables as a side, chop them while the oven is preheating or even earlier in the day to save time during active cooking.
• Assemble Dry Breading Mix in Advance: You can mix the dry breading ingredients (flour, cornstarch, spices) in a container and store it at room temperature for up to a week. This saves a few minutes during prep time.
• Prepare Hot Honey Glaze While Chicken Bakes: Make the hot honey glaze while the chicken is baking in the oven. This utilizes the oven time efficiently and ensures the glaze is ready when the chicken is done.
• Use Kitchen Tools Efficiently: Utilize measuring cups and spoons, and have all your ingredients readily available before starting the process. This streamlined approach helps minimize prep time.

How to Serve

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Comfort Sides:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the crispy chicken and spicy-sweet glaze. The smooth texture complements the crunchy coating perfectly.
  • Southern-Style Coleslaw: A cool and creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heat and richness of the chicken. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing cut through the richness and provide textural variety.
  • Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a classic summertime side that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. The sweetness of the corn complements the honey glaze, and the buttery flavor enhances the overall richness of the meal.
• Healthy & Fresh Options:
  • Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus: Roasted vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful side. Broccoli and asparagus, with their slightly bitter notes, balance the sweetness of the honey glaze. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a pleasant char.
  • Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy grain like quinoa or rice pilaf offers a healthy and satisfying base to serve the chicken over. Quinoa provides extra protein and fiber, while rice pilaf adds a touch of aromatic flavor.
  • Fresh Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing side. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chicken and glaze, creating a balanced meal.
• Flavorful & Bold Pairings:
  • Mac and Cheese: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the chicken with creamy mac and cheese. The cheesy richness and comforting texture of mac and cheese create a decadent pairing with the sweet and spicy chicken.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Cornbread, especially with a touch of jalapeño and cheddar, adds a flavorful and slightly spicy element that complements the hot honey chicken. The cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory side that mirrors the flavor profile of the hot honey chicken. The sweetness of the sweet potato fries complements the honey glaze, and their slightly crispy texture mirrors the chicken’s coating.
• Garnish & Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Chopped Parsley or Chives: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the chicken just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds enhance the nutty aroma and flavor.
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges alongside the chicken for those who want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
  • Extra Hot Honey Glaze for Drizzling: Offer a small bowl of extra hot honey glaze on the side for those who want to drizzle more sauce over their chicken or side dishes.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To consistently achieve restaurant-quality Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, consider these five essential tips:

1. Maximize Crispiness with Dry Chicken and Wire Rack: The key to truly crispy baked chicken starts with removing as much moisture as possible. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and breading. Using a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet is also crucial. The rack allows hot air to circulate completely around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crisping on all sides, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Avoid overcrowding the chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than baking, resulting in soggy chicken. Leave space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even browning. If necessary, bake in batches to ensure optimal crispiness for all pieces.
3. Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference: Hot honey is all about the balance of sweet and spicy. You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount and type of hot sauce you use. For a milder heat, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the quantity. For a spicier kick, use a hotter hot sauce like habanero-based sauces or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Taste the glaze before coating the chicken and adjust the hot sauce to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
4. Ensure Chicken is Cooked Through: Food safety is paramount. Always ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat. Cooking to the correct temperature ensures both safety and optimal texture and juiciness.
5. Glaze Strategically for Sticky Perfection: For the best sticky and caramelized hot honey coating, brush the glaze on towards the end of the baking process. Glazing too early can cause the honey to burn and become bitter. Bake the chicken until it’s almost fully cooked and crispy, then apply the glaze and return it to the oven for a final brief bake. This allows the glaze to set and caramelize without burning, creating that irresistible sticky, sweet, and spicy finish.

FAQ Section

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, along with detailed answers to help you troubleshoot and perfect this recipe:

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in, skin-on pieces?

A: While you can technically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it’s not highly recommended for this specific recipe. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks are preferred because they are more forgiving and remain juicier during baking, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, especially when baked at a higher temperature for crispiness. If you do choose to use chicken breasts, reduce the baking time significantly to prevent them from becoming dry and overcooked. Also, the skin is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness in this recipe, so you’ll be sacrificing some of the desired texture by using skinless breasts.

Q2: How do I prevent the breading from becoming soggy?

A: Soggy breading is a common issue with baked chicken, but easily avoidable with a few key techniques. Firstly, ensure the chicken is thoroughly patted dry before breading. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Secondly, use cornstarch in your breading mixture – it’s a secret weapon for extra crispness. Thirdly, and most importantly, bake the chicken on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from steaming and becoming soggy. Finally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; bake in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.

Q3: Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the hot honey glaze in advance. In fact, making it ahead of time can be a great time-saver. The glaze can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat the glaze in a saucepan over low heat until it’s smooth and pourable. Avoid microwaving the glaze, as it can sometimes become too thick or crystallize when reheated in a microwave.

Q4: My hot honey chicken isn’t spicy enough. How can I make it spicier?

A: If you find your hot honey chicken isn’t spicy enough, there are several easy ways to increase the heat. The simplest way is to add more hot sauce to the glaze. Start by adding a tablespoon or two more of your chosen hot sauce and taste. You can also use a hotter variety of hot sauce, such as habanero or scotch bonnet based sauces. For a different kind of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze. Another option is to add a dash of your favorite chili oil for both heat and flavor. Remember to adjust the spice gradually, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of spiciness.

Q5: How should I store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken and how do I reheat it to maintain crispiness?

A: Store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain some crispiness, the best method is to reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (again, the wire rack is key for crispiness). Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy again. Avoid microwaving leftover chicken, as it will make the breading soggy. While it won’t be quite as crispy as freshly baked, reheating in the oven will help to restore some of the original texture and flavor. You can also briefly broil the chicken for the last few minutes of reheating (watch carefully to prevent burning) to enhance crispiness.

Print