Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Perfection Awaits!
Ever had chicken that dances on your taste buds with a perfect crunch followed by a sweet and spicy kick? That’s exactly what you’re in for with Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering delicious flavors and a satisfying texture without the fuss. Plus, it’s a quick fix that’ll leave your family begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds). 😋
Why Make This Recipe
Here’s why you absolutely want to whip this up tonight:
- Easy Clean-Up: Just one baking sheet required! That means more time for you to binge-watch your favorite series and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
- Affordable Ingredients: You really don’t need to break the bank to enjoy an amazing meal. This dish uses staples you probably already have.
- Family-Friendly: Who can resist a crispy chicken drizzled in sweet and spicy goodness? It’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics:
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Make sure to have everything ready; trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Directions
Follow these simple steps, and you’re golden:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix it with panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the panko mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, in a small saucepan, heat honey and hot sauce until combined and warm.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken before serving.
How to Make Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken (Overview)
Making this chicken is as easy as 1-2-3—well, 8, but who’s counting? First, you’ll start by prepping your oven and baking sheet. While it warms up, just mix that buttery panko goodness. Next comes the fun part: coat those chicken breasts! Don’t be shy; really press that panko into the meat. Once they bake to perfection, a sweet and spicy drizzle brings everything to a heavenly close. Pro tip: let the chicken rest for a minute after baking to lock in the juiciness!
How to Serve Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Picture this: golden brown chicken topped with a glossy drizzle of hot honey, served alongside a colorful salad or crispy fries. The vibrant orange-red of the sauce really pops against the crunchy coating, creating a feast for your eyes and stomach. Pair it with a refreshing drink, and you have a meal that sings with flavor! 🍽️
How to Store Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
If you somehow have leftovers (doubtful, but possible), you can keep this chicken good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just pop it in an airtight container. Want to enjoy it later? Freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven for that crispy bite — a microwave just won’t cut it after all that effort!
Tips to Make Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Butter vs. Oil: If you need a healthier swap, you can use olive oil instead of butter – it still works wonders!
- Add More Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey mix for an extra kick that’ll have everyone sweating (in a good way!).
- Panko Power: Press firmly on the breadcrumbs so they stick better; crispy perfection is what we’re after!
Variation
Want to mix things up? Try using thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. Or if you’re going vegan, swap the chicken with cauliflower steaks—and don’t forget to lock in that hot honey vibe with agave syrup instead!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw them completely before coating to get that crunchy texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Oven reheating is the way to go! Pop it back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything ahead of time. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup Butter Melted
Coating
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs For a crispy coating
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper To taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup Honey For drizzling
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce Adjust for spice preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix it with panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the panko mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, in a small saucepan, heat honey and hot sauce until combined and warm.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken before serving.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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