This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a tasty twist on your regular chicken dish. The chicken is baked to perfection, giving it a crunchy outside and a juicy inside.
What makes it special? The hot honey sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that will make your taste buds dance! I love serving this with a side of rice or veggies for a perfect dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs give juicy flavor, but breasts work too for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a meatless version, try using cauliflower or chickpea patties for a different twist.
Buttermilk: This adds great flavor and tenderness. If you don’t have any, make your own! Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Flour & Cornstarch: Both are key for that crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Cornstarch gives extra crispiness, but you can skip it if you don’t have any.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my go-to, but you can adjust the spice level with different sauces or even go mild with paprika or a sweet chili sauce if you prefer less heat.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting your chicken nice and crispy is all about the coating and baking technique. Here’s how to ensure maximum crunch!
- Marinate the chicken: Letting it soak in buttermilk makes it tender and flavorful.
- Dredge properly: Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Press lightly so it sticks well.
- Use a wire rack: This allows air to circulate around the chicken while baking, helping it cook evenly and become crispy.
- Spray with oil: Giving a light mist of cooking spray on top of the dredged chicken promotes browning during baking.
- Do not overcrowd: Spread the chicken apart on the rack so they can crisp up nicely without steaming each other.
Enjoy making this crispy baked hot honey chicken! The combination of flavors and textures can turn an ordinary dinner into a special treat.
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to bake, for a total of about 40 minutes. Remember to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, which you can do while prepping other sides or enjoying a quick break!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with a wire rack, then give the rack a light spray with cooking spray. This helps the chicken stay crispy as it bakes!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure they are well covered in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) so they soak up all that delicious flavor!
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch to create your crispy coating. This mixture is key for that wonderful crunch!
4. Coat the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure to press lightly to help the coating stick well.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken onto the wire rack on the baking sheet. Give them a light spritz of cooking spray on top. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is a lovely golden brown color.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While your chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the hot honey sauce! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir the mixture until it’s warmed through and well combined, then remove from heat.
7. Apply the Hot Honey Sauce:
Once the chicken is ready and baked to crispy perfection, drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce generously over each piece.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve your delicious crispy baked hot honey chicken hot and enjoy every bite!
This recipe delivers a crunchy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Can I Use Skin-On Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on chicken will add extra flavor and crispiness. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness or on a microwave-safe plate, but be cautious as it may lose its crunch.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you love heat, feel free to add more hot sauce to the honey or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the flour mixture for an extra kick!
