This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious treat! It’s crunchy on the outside with a sweet and spicy honey glaze that gives it a delightful kick!
Who doesn’t love a bit of heat with their sweet? I love serving this with some warm rice or crispy veggies for a fun meal. It’s easy to whip up and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best for this dish. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner. You can use bone-in cuts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar (or lemon juice) can work as a substitute. Just let it sit for a few minutes to curdle.
Hot Sauce: Use any favorite hot sauce for the marinade and the glaze. If you prefer milder flavors, you can cut back on the hot sauce or use a less spicy option.
Honey: Regular honey is perfect, but you can also use agave syrup if you want a vegan alternative. Consider half maple syrup for a different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Comes Out Crispy?
Getting that crispy coating is essential for this recipe! Here are some tips to help you achieve it:
- Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour mixture—this is key for a crunchy crust.
- Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken while baking, which keeps it crispy. If you don’t have one, place the chicken directly on a greased baking sheet.
- Spraying or brushing the chicken with oil before baking helps create a golden crust, so don’t skip this step!
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for marinade)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking rack
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour of marinating time plus 30 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, but the hands-on time is only about 20-25 minutes. It’s an easy and tasty meal to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful!
2. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly spray it with cooking spray or oil so the chicken doesn’t stick.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece out of the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any extra flour and place the coated chicken on the wire rack.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to help them get crispy. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
7. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. This adds that fantastic sweet and spicy flavor!
8. Serve:
Serve the crispy baked hot honey chicken immediately. For a nice touch, you can garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and enjoy it alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, rice, or roasted veggies. Dive in!
Enjoy this perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces! Just adjust the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes, depending on the size, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to start checking for doneness a bit earlier to prevent overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles, and you’re good to go!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the hot honey mixture. You can also substitute with a milder sauce or even leave it out entirely for a sweet honey glaze. Alternatively, add more hot sauce or cayenne if you like it spicier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy coating.
