![- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup hot honey (or mix 3 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon hot sauce) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped To make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, gather these key ingredients. You need chicken thighs, buttermilk, flour, and panko breadcrumbs. These will give the chicken a great texture. Next, add your spices. Smoked paprika brings a warm flavor. Garlic and onion powders add depth, while cayenne gives it a kick. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste. For the glaze, hot honey is a must. If you don’t have it, mix honey with hot sauce. This sweet and spicy combo makes the chicken shine. Olive oil helps it crisp up in the oven. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a pop of color when you serve it. This list makes it easy to follow along with the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking! Marinating chicken in buttermilk is key. It helps the meat stay tender and juicy. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins. This makes your chicken soft and gives it flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, let it sit overnight for the best results. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat makes the chicken crispy. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easy and prevents sticking. Next, prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mix first. Make sure to coat it well. Then dip it back into the buttermilk and roll it in the panko. Press gently so it sticks. Now, arrange the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each piece. This helps it get crunchy while baking. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). In the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle hot honey over the chicken. This adds sweetness and heat. Return the chicken to the oven. The hot honey will caramelize, creating a delicious glaze. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. Serve it hot for the best flavor! For the full recipe, check out the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. To get that extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy, creating a great texture. Regular breadcrumbs can make the chicken soggy. The oven rack placement also matters. Place your baking sheet in the center of the oven. This allows for even heat and crispiness. If you want less heat, adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with half a teaspoon, then taste the mix. You can always add more if needed. For a sweet kick, try alternatives to hot honey. Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce for a great glaze. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C). For larger pieces, you may need to adjust the baking time. Add 5-10 minutes if the chicken is thicker. Always prioritize safety and flavor. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! {{image_2}} You can change the spices to create new flavors. For a smoky twist, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder. If you want a herbaceous kick, mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the breading. Fresh herbs can also add a burst of flavor. Chopped parsley or basil work great. You have options when cooking the chicken. An air fryer can give you that crunchy texture with less oil. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 20 minutes. If you love smoky flavors, grilling is a fun choice. Cook the chicken on medium heat, flipping it halfway through for even cooking. Pair your hot honey chicken with tasty sides. Coleslaw or roasted veggies make great choices. You can also use the chicken in a sandwich. Add fresh greens and your favorite sauce for a quick meal. Another idea is to slice the chicken and toss it in a salad. This adds a spicy kick to your greens. For all the details, check the Full Recipe. After baking your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This helps the chicken set and makes it easier to store. For storage, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. To keep your chicken crunchy, reheating in the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method maintains the crispiness. You can enjoy the chicken with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables. Both pair nicely with the spicy honey flavor. You can freeze the chicken after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in a freezer-safe container. If you prefer, you can freeze it before baking. Follow the same cooling steps, then freeze the breaded chicken. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Marinating your chicken is key for a tasty meal. I recommend at least one hour. For the best flavor and tenderness, let it soak overnight. This allows the buttermilk to work its magic. Yes, you can use skin-on chicken thighs. They add great flavor and crispiness. The skin gets nice and crunchy when baked. This option gives a richer taste and a more satisfying texture. If you don’t have hot honey, mix three tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of hot sauce. This gives you a similar sweet and spicy flavor. You can also try other sauces like sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a twist. Check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. Juices should run clear when you cut into it. In this blog post, I shared a detailed guide to making crispy baked chicken thighs. We covered ingredients like buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs, which keep the chicken tender and crunchy. I explained how to marinate, prepare the oven, and coat the chicken. You learned about glazes and garnishing for that perfect finish. Try different spices and cooking methods to make this recipe yours. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful chicken that impresses every time.](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ca0af9fb-5394-4a98-a0b5-0e379db901f0-300x300.webp)
- Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with my Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy coating and a delightful sweet-spicy glaze that will leave everyone asking for more. With easy ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious meal in no time. Ready to elevate your dinner game?