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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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