Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy golden crust with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This flavorful and textured dish balances crunchy and sticky, spicy and sweet elements to create an addictive meal perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it serves as a healthy oven-baked alternative to fried chicken and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- Chicken pieces, bone-in or boneless thighs or breasts – 2 pounds
- Plant-based buttermilk – 1 cup
Crispy Coating
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 ½ cups
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Sweet paprika (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Hot Honey Glaze
- Natural hot honey (natural) – ½ cup
- Plant-based butter – 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Natural gelling agent – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks well. Marinate the chicken in plant-based buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse moisture throughout every bite.
- Make the Crispy Coating: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the flavorful crunchy coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage on all sides.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even golden brown crispiness.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, gently heat the plant-based butter, natural hot honey, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent in a small pan. Stir continuously until combined and slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is freshly baked, generously brush the warm hot honey glaze on each piece or drizzle over the top. Serve immediately for the best combination of crispy and sticky textures.
Notes
- Double dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and breadcrumb mixture a second time before baking for extra crunch.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess of the crust.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder or hot honey according to taste preference.
- Start with room temperature chicken for quicker crisping and even cooking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: baked chicken, crunchy chicken, hot honey chicken, spicy honey glaze, oven-baked chicken, gluten-free chicken, plant-based butter chicken