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
- 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! 🥰 - 2️⃣ Prep the Crispy Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together:- Panko breadcrumbs 🥖
- Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Garlic powder 🧄
- Smoked paprika 🌶️
- Cayenne pepper (optional) 🌡️
- Salt & pepper 🧂
- 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. - 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. ✨ - 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. 😍
- 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.