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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken


  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines a crispy, flavorful panko crust with a spicy and sweet hot honey glaze. This oven-baked chicken recipe offers a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. Featuring natural ingredients and plant-based butter, it is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to fried chicken, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 3 tablespoons plant-based butter, melted
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Hot Honey Glaze

  • 1/4 cup honey (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Season both sides with salt, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and smoked paprika for even flavor distribution.
  2. Create the Crunchy Coating: In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika and the remaining garlic powder. Melt the plant-based butter and brush it onto the chicken to help the crumbs adhere and crisp up during baking.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Firmly press the buttered chicken into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides to get a thick, even crust. Place each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they do not touch to allow for thorough baking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through baking to promote even browning.
  5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey (natural), hot sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent in a small saucepan. Warm gently until thickened and glossy.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the hot honey glaze. For extra flavor, spoon additional glaze over the chicken just before serving.

Notes

  • Dry chicken well to ensure the coating sticks and crisps nicely during baking.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking pan to allow the chicken to crisp evenly without steaming.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
  • Adjust the heat of the hot honey glaze gradually according to your taste preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: baked chicken, hot honey chicken, crunchy chicken, spicy chicken, sweet and spicy, baked chicken thighs, healthy chicken recipe