Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 1 egg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup honey; 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, featuring a crispy coating that locks in juicy flavors. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, this dish will impress your family and friends with its mouthwatering glaze made from hot honey. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a main course that will steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-11-12T11:06:50.588Z

This dish combines the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a delightful contrast between sweetness and spiciness. The sweet honey glaze is perfectly complemented by the heat from the hot sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience. This harmonious blend not only tickles the taste buds but also elevates the dish, making it suitable for any occasion, especially during festive family gatherings.

The crispy coating plays a vital role in locking in the juiciness of the chicken, ensuring that every piece is savory and satisfying. The breadcrumb mixture provides not just crunch but also absorbs the flavors of the hot honey glaze beautifully, creating a dish that is both visually stunning and utterly irresistible.

Elevating Your Holiday Menu

If you're looking for a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, look no further. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not just a meal; it's an occasion. Its exciting flavors will have your family and friends raving about your culinary skills. Pair it with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread to create a well-rounded feast that's sure to please everyone.

This dish is also optimal for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch, serve it fresh for gatherings, and then store leftovers in the fridge for convenient meals throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy the same delicious flavors with little effort.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the flavor experience, serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. The coolness of the slaw beautifully balances the heat of the chicken, making it an ideal match. Additionally, for those who enjoy a kick, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce on the side for a customizable heat level.

Don't forget about presentation. Drizzling extra hot honey glaze over the finished chicken before serving not only adds visual appeal but an extra layer of flavor that will impress your guests. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hot Honey Glaze

1/2 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken thighs in the egg, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder over low heat. Stir until well mixed and warm.

Glaze the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the chicken and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Choosing the Right Chicken

Selecting the right type of chicken is crucial for achieving the best results. Chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe due to their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful outcome. If you opt for chicken breasts for a leaner choice, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid dryness.

It's also important to consider the quality of the chicken. Whenever possible, choose organic or free-range chicken, as these options tend to have a better flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Fresh chicken will enhance the taste of your dish significantly.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken tasting fresh, make sure it's completely cooled down before sealing it in the container. If you've used the hot honey glaze, it's advisable to store the glaze separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method ensures the chicken maintains its crispy texture while staying juicy inside.

Experimenting with Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by experimenting with different spices and ingredients. For instance, adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture can enhance the warmth and depth of flavor. You could also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a unique twist that offers a different kind of sweetness.

For those who enjoy a more exotic flavor profile, try adding a splash of soy sauce or ginger to the hot honey glaze. These additions would provide a delightful Asian-inspired flair to the dish, making it even more versatile for various culinary themes.