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Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
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Craving a dinner that’s bold, crispy, and finger-lickin’ delicious—without the mess of deep frying? This  Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is just what you need. It’s got that addictive crunch you love, a spicy-sweet glaze that’s impossible to resist, and it’s baked to golden perfection in the oven. It’s a modern comfort food twist with a zesty attitude, and we’re totally here for it.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (around 1.5 lbs)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

the Hot Honey Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry with paper towels.
In the first shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
° the second bowl, beat the eggs.
° the third bowl, place the panko.

Dredge each piece of chicken first in flour, then egg, and finally in panko. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Place your breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray with cooking oil or drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) and the crust is crisp and golden.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken’s in the oven, grab a small saucepan.
Combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
Add the vinegar or lemon juice if you want that sweet-spicy-tangy trifecta.

Step 5: Glaze and Garnish

Once your chicken is done, pull it out and drizzle the hot honey sauce right over the top. Want it fully coated? Toss it in a mixing bowl with the sauce.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Spray: Lightly spraying or drizzling oil over the breaded chicken before baking helps it achieve that deep-fried texture without the grease.

  • Customize the Heat: Use a milder hot sauce like Frank’s for a subtle kick or go bold with sriracha or habanero-based sauces if you love heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://infinityrecipes.com/crunchy-hot-honey-chicken/