What is hot honey baked chicken and how is it made?

Hot honey baked chicken is a dish where chicken, usually wings or drumsticks, is coated with a spicy honey sauce and then baked until crispy and caramelized. The sauce typically combines honey with chili flakes or hot sauce to create a sweet and spicy flavor. To make it, coat the chicken pieces with seasoning, bake them in the oven, then brush or toss with the hot honey mixture before a final bake or broil for sticky, flavorful chicken.

Can I make hot honey baked chicken without deep-frying?

Yes, hot honey baked chicken can be made entirely in the oven, making it a healthier alternative to frying. Baking the chicken at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) helps achieve crispy skin. Applying the hot honey sauce toward the end of baking prevents the honey from burning while ensuring the chicken remains juicy inside.

What are some tips for balancing the heat and sweetness in hot honey baked chicken?

To balance heat and sweetness, start with a mild amount of chili flakes or hot sauce and adjust to taste. Using pure, high-quality honey adds natural sweetness, while chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce add heat. If the sauce is too spicy, add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice to mellow it without losing flavor.

How long should I bake chicken for hot honey chicken to be fully cooked and juicy?

Bake chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on size. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which ensures safe cooking. Baking chicken evenly at this temperature keeps it juicy while allowing the skin to become crispy and caramelized with the hot honey glaze.

What sides pair well with hot honey baked chicken?

Hot honey baked chicken pairs well with cooling and mild sides to balance spice, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables or cornbread also complement the dish's sweet and spicy profile nicely. Including fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on the side adds freshness that cuts through the richness.

Hot Honey Baked Chicken With Crispy Crunchy Coating

Name: Hot Honey Baked Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 6 cups crushed cornflakes (gluten-free preferred); – 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; – 1 teaspoon paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – Pinch of salt; – 2 eggs; – 2 tablespoons hot sauce; – 2 pounds chicken tenders; – 1/2 cup honey for the hot honey sauce; – 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce for the hot honey sauce; – 1 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper for the hot honey sauce; – 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder for the hot honey sauce; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for the hot honey sauce; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the hot honey sauce; – Pinch of salt for the hot honey sauce; – Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

Description

🔥 Baked Hot Honey Chicken offers a crispy, crunchy coating balanced with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.
🍯 This recipe is perfect for those who love flavorful, healthier baked chicken that’s easy to prepare and enjoy any night of the week.

Ingredients

– 6 cups crushed cornflakes (gluten-free preferred)

– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– Pinch of salt

– 2 eggs

– 2 tablespoons hot sauce

– 2 pounds chicken tenders

– 1/2 cup honey for the hot honey sauce

– 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce for the hot honey sauce

– 1 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper for the hot honey sauce

– 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder for the hot honey sauce

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for the hot honey sauce

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the hot honey sauce

– Pinch of salt for the hot honey sauce

– Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

2-In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt; pulse until you form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, crush the cornflakes manually in a bag for that homemade touch.

3-Beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce to create a sticky base for the coating it’s what helps everything stick perfectly.

4-Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then dredge in the crumb mixture for full coverage. For an extra-thick crust, repeat the dipping and dredging once more to amp up the crunch.

5-Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil for that golden crispiness, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re crispy and cooked through.

6-While the chicken bakes, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan to make the hot honey sauce keep it gentle to avoid thickening too quickly.

7-Once baked, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley, and serve it up hot for the best flavor.

Notes

🌽 Using gluten-free, non-GMO cornflakes ensures a crisp and allergy-friendly coating.
🧀 Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor and helps create a crunchy crust.
🫒 Drizzling olive oil on the chicken before baking enhances the crispy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 403
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: baked hot honey chicken, crispy chicken tenders, spicy honey chicken, gluten-free chicken