Go Back
For this baked crunchy hot honey chicken, you will need: - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) These ingredients work together to create a crispy, flavorful dish. The chicken thighs stay juicy, while the panko breadcrumbs give you that perfect crunch. The hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick that makes each bite exciting. Measuring ingredients correctly is key to great cooking. It ensures consistent flavors and textures. Here are some tips: - Use dry measuring cups for dry ingredients, like flour and panko. - For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup for accuracy. - If you can, prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you keep things organized and save time. When you have everything measured out in advance, you can focus on the fun of cooking! To take your dish to the next level, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Additional spice options, like chili flakes or smoked paprika Garnishing adds color and freshness to your plate. A sprinkle of parsley makes the dish pop and looks inviting. You can also add more heat with extra spices if you like. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To start, you need to prepare the buttermilk bath. Pour one cup of buttermilk into a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully covered. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best taste, aim for an hour. While the chicken is marinating, let’s make the breadcrumb mixture. In another bowl, mix one cup of panko breadcrumbs with half a cup of flour. Add two teaspoons of garlic powder, two teaspoons of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of onion powder, and a teaspoon of cayenne. Season it with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. Next, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently to ensure a thick coating. This step is key for crispiness. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken thighs on the sheet, skin side up. For extra crunch, spray them lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and check that the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). In the last five minutes, drizzle hot honey over the chicken. This glaze adds a sweet and spicy touch. After baking, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This helps keep it juicy. For a beautiful presentation, serve it on a wooden platter. Drizzle extra hot honey on top and sprinkle fresh parsley for color. This dish pairs well with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To get the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. It gives a crispier texture when baked. For extra crunch, bake the chicken on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around the chicken as it cooks. Make sure to spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil before baking. This step helps to brown the coating nicely. Want it spicier? You can add more cayenne pepper to your mix. Start with a little and taste as you go. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder too. You can also boost flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. For a sweet twist, try using flavored honey. Lavender or chili-infused honey can add a unique touch. For this recipe, you need basic tools. A large bowl is key for marinating the chicken. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. A wire rack is great for crispiness but not required. If you don’t have one, just place the chicken directly on the sheet. You can also use an air fryer if you prefer that cooking method. It cooks quickly and keeps things crispy. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the main article! {{image_4}} You can switch up the honey for unique flavors. Try infused honey, like lavender or rosemary. This adds a special twist. You can also play with spices. Add more cayenne for heat or some cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can bring a fresh taste. Mixing these flavors lets you create a dish that feels new each time. If you prefer, use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. This can cut down on cooking time. You can also swap chicken for other proteins. Tofu or tempeh works well for a plant-based option. Just marinate them the same way. The hot honey will still give them great flavor. To make this meal shine, pair it with tasty sides. A bright coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts also work well. For a lighter option, serve with a simple salad. You can drizzle extra hot honey on everything for a sweet kick. To keep your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out. If you want to keep the coating crunchy, add a paper towel inside. This absorbs extra moisture. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. If you want to save your chicken for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm and crispy again. This method keeps the chicken juicy. It brings back that crunchy texture you love. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the buttermilk to tenderize the meat. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 1 hour. This extra time lets the spices soak in more deeply. Yes, you can use regular honey, but the flavor will change. Regular honey is sweet and smooth. Hot honey adds a spicy kick. If you want to keep it sweet but add heat, mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs. They will work, but the texture will be slightly different. You can also crush crackers or cornflakes for a crunchy coating. Just make sure to season them well for flavor. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. This ensures it is safe to eat. In this post, we covered a simple recipe for crispy baked chicken with hot honey. You learned about key ingredients, marinating tips, and baking techniques for a perfect result. I shared helpful storage methods and flavor variations to keep your meals exciting. My final thoughts: don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and garnishes. Enjoy making this dish your own and impressing everyone at the table. Trust me, the crispy texture and spicy-sweet flavor will win hearts!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Get ready to impress with this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in buttermilk and coated in a crispy panko mix, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and it's simple to make! Discover how to create crunchy perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds. Click through for the full recipe and tips to make it a family favorite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor and tenderness.

      While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.

        After the marination time, remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh generously in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure an even coating.

          Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet with the skin side facing up. For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top.

            Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

              In the final 5 minutes of baking, drizzle the hot honey over the chicken thighs. This step allows the honey to caramelize, adding an irresistible glaze to the chicken.

                Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps to lock in the juices. Before serving, garnish the chicken with the freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                  Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken on a rustic wooden platter with additional hot honey drizzled over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a vibrant color contrast. Pair this dish with refreshing coleslaw or flavorful roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!