This crispy baked hot honey chicken is a sweet and spicy treat! You’ll love the crunch and the sticky honey sauce that adds a kick to each bite. Perfect for dinner or a game day snack!
Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one piece! It’s super easy to whip up, and the best part? You can enjoy the crispy goodness without frying. What’s not to love? 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for more flavor and juiciness. However, chicken breasts work just fine. If you prefer a healthier option, you can actually use skin-on chicken for added flavor, but cooking time may vary.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is great for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have any, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo creates a nice crunchy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour along with cornstarch. It works wonderfully too!
Hot Sauce: Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha gives a nice flavor, but you can also use buffalo sauce or a milder option if you’re sensitive to heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The crispy coating is what makes this chicken shine! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Marinate the chicken well in buttermilk. This not only adds flavor but helps keep it moist.
- When dredging, make sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken so it sticks well. Don’t rush this step!
- Don’t skip the cooking spray on top—this helps create that golden, crispy exterior.
- Monitor the baking time closely; flipping halfway allows even heating and browning.
These tips will help ensure your baked hot honey chicken is crunchy and delicious every time. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite chili sauce)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crispy baked hot honey chicken will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 20-25 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to marinate the chicken in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, which adds loads of flavor and moisture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken pieces into the bowl and make sure they’re fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for maximum flavor.
3. Make the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper. This mix creates a nice, crispy coating.
4. Dredge the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, take it out and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. This helps give your chicken that crispy texture!
5. Prepare to Bake
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. To enhance crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
6. Bake the Chicken
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. You want that beautiful golden color and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
While your chicken is baking, let’s make the hot honey sauce! In a small saucepan on low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until everything is warm and combined. Remove from heat.
8. Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven. Brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece of chicken for that perfect sweet and spicy flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy baked hot honey chicken immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite is sure to be a delightful mix of crunch and flavor! Enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the cayenne and hot sauce amounts based on your preferred level of spice. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay moist and flavorful. However, you can use boneless, skinless breasts if you prefer a lighter option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free. The results will still be crispy and delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness.
