Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with my Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This simple and tasty dish combines crispy chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Trust me; you won’t want to miss this mouthwatering treat. With just a few easy steps and common ingredients, you can impress your family or friends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring some flavor to your table!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Flavor
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish
– 3 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The key to my Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender meat. Soaking them in buttermilk adds moisture and flavor.
The combination of all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken that crunchy texture we crave. I add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
For the sauce, hot honey provides sweetness and heat. You can use store-bought or make your own. A drizzle of olive oil before baking helps to crisp up the coating. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
These ingredients create a dish that is both simple to make and full of flavor. You can check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps and tips to make your chicken shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Start by combining chicken thighs with buttermilk in a bowl. Make sure all the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least one hour. If you have time, let it sit overnight for better flavor.
Preparing for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent sticking. Next, set up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Breading the Chicken
After marinating, take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mix, making sure to shake off any extra flour. Then dip the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Place each breaded piece on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking the Chicken
Drizzle olive oil over the breaded chicken pieces. This helps them get crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should look golden brown when done.
Applying the Hot Honey
In the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle hot honey over the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece gets an even coat. This adds a sweet and spicy kick to the dish.
Finishing Touch
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crunchiness
Panko breadcrumbs are key for great crunch. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This lightness gives the chicken a crispier bite. To get a perfect golden color, bake it at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it in the oven. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
Flavor Enhancement
To make your hot honey pop, add spices. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can boost its flavor. Marinate the chicken overnight for better taste. This helps the flavors soak in deeply. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.
Cooking Equipment
Use a good baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes cleanup easy. For marinating, choose a bowl that can hold all the chicken and buttermilk. Glass or stainless steel works best for this.
For the full recipe, click here.
Variations
Different Proteins
You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or drumsticks. Each cut gives a unique taste and texture. For chicken breasts, cook them less time to keep them juicy. Drumsticks will need a bit more time due to their size.
If you want to try other meats, turkey or pork could work well. Both can soak up flavors just like chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat’s thickness.
Alternative Sauces
Not a fan of hot honey? No problem! You can use BBQ sauce or teriyaki instead. Both add a sweet and tangy twist to the dish.
If you want a kick, try making a spicy garlic glaze. Mix butter, minced garlic, and your favorite hot sauce. Brush this glaze on during the last few minutes of baking for added flavor.
Seasoning Variations
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. Add more cayenne for heat or leave it out for a milder dish.
Fresh herbs can also boost flavor. Try adding chopped rosemary or thyme to the breading mix. This gives the chicken a fresh, vibrant taste.
For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe to explore these tasty variations!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your baked crunchy hot honey chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. This dish stays fresh for about three to four days. If you want to maintain the best texture, try to eat it sooner rather than later.
Freezing Tips
Freezing baked chicken is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat and keep that crispy texture, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use an air fryer at the same temperature for a quicker option. This method helps restore the crunch while warming the chicken through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. It also allows the buttermilk to soak in better. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. If you use the microwave, cook it right away after thawing.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. You can also use yogurt or sour cream mixed with water for a thinner consistency.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken in advance. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and store it in the fridge. You can do this a day ahead. After marinating, bread the chicken and place it on the baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Is the hot honey very spicy?
The hot honey has a mild kick. It balances sweetness with heat. If you prefer less spice, use less hot honey. You can also mix it with regular honey for a milder flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste. This way, you can enjoy the sweet and spicy combo without it being too hot.
This blog post guided you through making crispy baked chicken thighs. We covered ingredients like buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating, breading, and baking. We discussed tips for crunchiness and flavor, plus variations with different meats and sauces. Remember, this dish is versatile and perfect for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites, and don’t hesitate to adjust the flavors. With these simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
