Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken (Printable Version)

Crispy oven-baked chicken with a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze that's healthier than fried versions but packed with irresistible flavor.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 2 large eggs, beaten
09 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

→ For the Hot Honey Sauce

10 - 1/4 cup honey
11 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

→ For Garnish

15 - Fresh chopped parsley
16 - Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

# Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
03 - Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
04 - While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for tang, if desired.
05 - When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. Alternatively, toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.
06 - Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

# Notes:

01 - Patting the chicken dry before breading ensures the coating sticks better.
02 - Adjust the hot sauce quantity to control the spiciness of the dish.

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