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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that beautifully marries the satisfying crunch of perfectly breaded chicken thighs with the sweet and spicy explosion of hot honey sauce. In an era where health-conscious eating is gaining momentum, this recipe stands out as a delightful alternative to traditional fried chicken without compromising on flavor or texture. The chicken boasts a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, making it a crowd-pleaser for both families and entertaining guests.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Discover the deliciously satisfying Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish combines perfectly breaded chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, offering a healthy twist on fried chicken without sacrificing flavor. By using tender chicken, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs, you'll achieve the ultimate crunch and juiciness. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is a must-try for everyone! #HotHoneyChicken #HealthyEating #ComfortFood #RecipeIdeas #Foodie

Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce (your choice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, soak the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results) to tenderize and add flavor.

    Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking spray.

      Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another dish, add the breadcrumbs.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-covered for maximum crunch.

          Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.

            Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

              Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix together honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred heat level.

                Combine & Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

                  Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite sides and savor the crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4