why make this recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the juicy flavors of chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. This recipe is perfect for families or anyone craving a tasty meal without the hassle of frying. The baking method not only makes it healthier but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game day, or whenever you want a treat, this chicken will surely satisfy your hunger!

how to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Arrange the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crunchy.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the chicken is finished baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Serve the chicken hot, with additional sauce if desired.

how to serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This delicious chicken can be served on its own or with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Add some extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy a crunchy, sweet, and spicy meal that everyone will love!

how to store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, as this will help retain the crunchiness.

tips to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in some of the hot sauce or buttermilk a few hours before cooking.
Make sure to spray the chicken strips with cooking spray before baking to ensure a crispy coating.
If you want even more spice, add more hot sauce to the honey sauce.

variation

You can try using different types of chicken, like thighs or wings, for a change. Additionally, you could substitute the hot sauce with a different type of sauce that you prefer, such as sriracha or BBQ sauce, for different flavor profiles.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to bake.

2. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven.