Finished Hot Honey Chicken served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges on a white plate for a flavorful presentation.

Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken, a dish bursting with sweet and spicy flavors, has taken over kitchens for good reason. This tantalizing twist on traditional baked chicken recipes combines the golden crunch of fried chicken with a drizzle of hot honey that’s bound to make every bite memorable. Whether you’re craving baked chicken thighs or juicy chicken breasts, this Hot Honey Chicken recipe promises simplicity, taste, and satisfaction in every serving.

This recipe caters to every chicken lover’s palate, pairing the fiery kick of honey with the warmth of crispy, juicy chicken. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a quick yet fulfilling meal, Hot Honey Chicken adds a little spice to your culinary repertoire.

Recipe Card

Recipe CardDetails
Recipe Name:Hot Honey Chicken
Description:A sweet and spicy baked chicken recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Servings:4
Yield:4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy crust)
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for extra spice)

Instructions

1.Prepare the Honey Mix
In a bowl, combine the honey with hot sauce and a pinch of salt. Set aside for drizzling over the cooked chicken.

2.Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.


Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

3.Bread the Chicken

Golden-brown chicken pieces baking on a parchment-lined tray inside an oven, with crispy edges. The hot honey glaze is starting to caramelize, creating a slightly sticky texture on the chicken pieces.


Dip each chicken piece in buttermilk, then coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to create a crispy layer.

4.Bake

Hot Honey Chicken – Drizzling Sweet and Spicy Honey Sauce , Hot honey sauce being drizzled over crispy baked chicken pieces for a rich glaze in Hot Honey Chicken


Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil or butter. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

5.Finish with Hot Honey
Once baked, drizzle the hot honey mixture over the chicken. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet-spicy flavor combination.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Sweet and Spicy Flavors: The honey adds sweetness while the hot sauce provides a perfect kick.
  2. Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious baked chicken recipe.
  3. Versatile: Works well with chicken thighs, breasts, or even tenders.
  4. Quick and Easy: In under an hour, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve.
  5. Family-Friendly: Adjust the spice level to make it perfect for everyone.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Honey: Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. Maple syrup could be a substitute but will alter the taste.
  • Hot Sauce: Choose a hot sauce that matches your spice tolerance, like sriracha for mild heat or Tabasco for more punch.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative for an extra-crispy crust.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tenderness to the chicken. Substitute with yogurt or milk if needed.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken (Step-by-Step)

  1. Season and Bread the Chicken: Start by coating the chicken in buttermilk and breadcrumbs for that desirable crunch.
  2. Mix the Honey Sauce: Blend honey and hot sauce, adjusting the amount of heat based on your preference.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken at a high temperature, flipping halfway for an evenly crisp finish.
  4. Drizzle the Hot Honey Sauce: Generously pour the honey sauce over the chicken while it’s warm.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, and serve with sides like roasted vegetables or coleslaw.

Expert Tips for Success

  • For Extra Crispiness: Use a wire rack to bake the chicken, allowing heat to circulate evenly.
  • Marinate for Tenderness: Marinating in buttermilk for 30 minutes can enhance juiciness.
  • Double the Sauce: Make extra hot honey sauce for dipping or to add more sweetness as needed.

Variations and Customizations

  • Spicier Version: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the honey sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Lighter Option: Bake the chicken without breading for a low-carb twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or reheat in an air fryer for a quick crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the spicy notes.
  • Green Beans: Roasted or steamed for a lighter side.
  • Cornbread: A Southern-inspired pairing that complements the honey flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and offer a juicy, flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.

2. Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of hot sauce used, making it mild or fiery as you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake and add the honey sauce just before serving.

4. Can I air fry the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, to achieve a crispy finish without excess oil.

You’ll Also Love

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out:

  • Baked Ranch Chicken: A creamy and herbaceous take on baked chicken.
  • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Crispy, cheesy, and kid-friendly.
  • Honey Mustard Chicken: Another sweet-savory combination that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

With its enticing blend of heat and sweetness, Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. This recipe lets you enjoy all the best qualities of baked chicken recipes: it’s crispy, tender, and packed with unforgettable flavor. Try it today and watch it become a regular hit on your dinner menu.

Give it a try, and savor the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in this Hot Honey Chicken! Perfect for adding a flavorful twist to your meal, this dish is easy to love and even easier to make. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see how you make this Hot Honey Chicken your own!