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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy. Coated in a golden, crunchy crust and drizzled with homemade hot honey, it’s a flavor-packed dinner that’s healthier than fried chicken but just as satisfying. Great for weeknights or entertaining guests!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs 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

  • 2 cups cornflakes, crushed

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Cooking spray or olive oil

For the Hot Honey:

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).

  2. Prep the Coating:
    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
    Crush the cornflakes and mix them with the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl.

  3. Coat the Chicken:
    Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornflake mixture, pressing to coat well. Place the coated chicken on the wire rack. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil for crispiness.

  4. Bake:
    Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).

  5. Make the Hot Honey:
    While the chicken bakes, heat honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warm and combined. Remove from heat.

  6. Serve:
    Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken right before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade and coating it again.

  • Adjust the spice level of the hot honey by using more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

  • Goes great with a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Find it online: https://simplemealsbykim.com/baked-crunchy-hot-honey-chicken/