Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Craving crispy chicken with a bold kick? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines juicy, tender chicken with a golden, cheesy coating and a drizzle of sweet-and-spicy honey glaze for the ultimate flavor explosion! 🌟✨

🌟 Ingredients You’ll Need

🛒 Here’s your shopping list for crispy deliciousness:

• 🐓 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into strips): Juicy bites of goodness.
• 🥛 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
• 🥖 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: Crunch central!
• 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Cheesy magic in every bite.
• 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder: Flavor boost #1.
• 🌶️ 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky twist.
• 🌡️ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Spice it up if you dare!
• 🧂 Salt & pepper: To season it just right.
• 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil: For that golden finish.

🧡 For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 🍯 ¼ cup honey: Sweetness overload!
• 🌶️ 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste): A fiery twist.
• 🌶️ 1 tsp red chili flakes: For a spicy punch.
• 🧈 1 tbsp butter: Melty glaze perfection.

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, mix the chicken tenders 🐓 with buttermilk 🥛, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). This is your ticket to juicy chicken heaven! 🥰
2. 2️⃣ Prep the Crispy Coating
   In a shallow dish, mix together:
   • Panko breadcrumbs 🥖
   • Parmesan cheese 🧀
   • Garlic powder 🧄
   • Smoked paprika 🌶️
   • Cayenne pepper (optional) 🌡️
   • Salt & pepper 🧂
   Stir it all up for the perfect crunchy coating! 🎉
3. 3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) 🔥 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. 4️⃣ Bake to Crispy Perfection
   Place the coated chicken strips on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil 🫒 for that golden, crispy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until perfectly golden and cooked through. ✨
5. 5️⃣ Make the Hot Honey Glaze
   While the chicken bakes, whip up the glaze:
   • Combine honey 🍯, hot sauce 🌶️, chili flakes 🌡️, and butter 🧈 in a small saucepan.
   • Heat over low heat, stirring until everything melts together into a sweet-and-spicy masterpiece. 😍
6. 6️⃣ Glaze & Serve
   Brush the hot honey glaze over the baked chicken 🐓. Garnish with fresh thyme 🌿 or parsley for a fancy touch. Serve warm and watch everyone reach for seconds! 🙌

⏰ Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• 🍴 Servings: 4
• 🔥 Calories: 350 kcal per serving.

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Use chicken thighs instead of tenders for extra juiciness.
👉 Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle—it’s the secret to oven-fried crunch!
👉 Pair with mashed potatoes 🥔 or a crisp salad 🥗 for a complete meal.