Baked Hot Honey Chicken

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Introduction

Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors that are sure to please any palate. With crispy, juicy chicken pieces baked to perfection and drizzled with a hot honey glaze, this dish offers a unique take on a classic comfort food. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes this chicken irresistible, and it’s simple to prepare for a weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or even a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a side of crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, Baked Hot Honey Chicken will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for flavorful and satisfying meals.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Party appetizers
• Meal prep
• Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Hot Honey Chicken will be your new favorite dish:

• Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy heat from chili flakes or hot sauce and the sweet, sticky honey glaze creates a mouthwatering flavor contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
• Crispy, Tender Chicken: The baked chicken has a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making every bite satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a little preparation, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the level of heat by using more or less chili flakes or hot sauce, making it perfect for all taste preferences.
• Healthy Twist: This baked version of hot honey chicken is a lighter alternative to fried versions, without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on the portion size)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

To make Baked Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use your favorite brand, or adjust for desired heat)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for tang)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe, as they bake quickly while staying juicy and tender.
• Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps create a crisp crust on the chicken without frying it.
• Honey: The star ingredient of the glaze, honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the heat from the hot sauce.
• Hot Sauce: The hot sauce brings the spice to the glaze, giving the chicken that fiery kick.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are used to coat the chicken for a crisp texture without deep frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your own Baked Hot Honey Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin (if using).
3. Coat the Chicken: Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, beat the egg. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle each with a little olive oil. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

5. Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze by combining honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is warmed through and slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more honey or hot sauce, depending on your preference.

Finish the Chicken

7. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon the hot honey glaze generously over each chicken breast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
8. Bake Again: Return the glazed chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if desired, before serving.

How to Serve Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Hot Honey Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Rice or Couscous: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, couscous, or quinoa to soak up the delicious hot honey glaze.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.
• With a Salad: Serve with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with avocado, to balance the sweetness and spice of the chicken.
• With Fries or Potato Wedges: For a comforting meal, serve with crispy fries or baked potato wedges on the side.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps: Shred the glazed chicken and serve it in sandwiches or wraps with a bit of lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.

Additional Tips for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Here are some tips to make your Baked Hot Honey Chicken even better:

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices can redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your hot honey chicken extra spicy, add more chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken pieces such as drumsticks or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as bone-in cuts take longer to cook.
• Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond meal.
• Meal Prep: This chicken is great for meal prepping. Make a batch and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations of Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Here are some variations of Baked Hot Honey Chicken that you can try:

• Lemon Hot Honey Chicken: Add a bit of fresh lemon juice or zest to the hot honey glaze for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Crispy Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with bone-in, skin-on thighs for a juicier, more flavorful version of the dish.
• Hot Honey Chicken Wings: Make the recipe with chicken wings for a party-friendly appetizer.
• Buffalo Hot Honey Chicken: Use buffalo sauce in place of regular hot sauce to create a tangy, spicy version of the glaze.
• Sweet and Sour Hot Honey Chicken: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the glaze for a tangy sweet and sour version.

Freezing and Storage for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze leftover Baked Hot Honey Chicken for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Storage: Store leftover Baked Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Here are a few special equipment items that might help make this recipe easier:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps ensure the chicken bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
• Shallow Dishes for Breading: Using shallow dishes for the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs makes the breading process easier and mess-free.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is handy for ensuring the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (75°C).
• Saucepan: A small saucepan for warming up the honey glaze ensures it’s the right consistency when drizzling over the chicken.
• Tongs: Tongs make it easier to flip the chicken without making a mess.

FAQ Section about Baked Hot Honey Chicken

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
   Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and drizzle the hot honey glaze over it.
3. Can I make this recipe without hot sauce?
   Yes, if you prefer a milder version, you can skip the hot sauce and use chili powder or smoked paprika for a different type of heat.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check for clear juices by making a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken.
5. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?
   You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Conclusion of Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both worlds: sweet and spicy. With its crispy chicken coated in a delicious hot honey glaze, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a weeknight treat. Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, this recipe will become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!