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To make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust this for more or less spice) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is crispy, sweet, and spicy. The buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy, while the flour and cornmeal give it a perfect crunch. The spices add warmth and depth, and the hot honey brings everything together with a sweet kick. For the full recipe, just follow along with the steps in the next section! Marinate the Chicken Start by placing the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, covering the chicken entirely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, marinate overnight if you can. Prepare the Coating In another bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, and spices. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together well. This mix gives your chicken a yummy taste and nice crunch. Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Coat the Chicken Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Now, dredge each thigh in the flour mix. Press down to coat well. Arrange the coated chicken on your baking sheet. Bake the Chicken Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle some olive oil on top. This helps it get extra crunchy. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your chicken is ready when it is golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. Finish with Hot Honey When the chicken comes out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over each piece. The heat from the chicken makes the honey melt just a bit, adding more flavor. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! To get that crunchy texture, focus on your coating. Start by pressing the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken. This helps the coating stick well. Use a light mist of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil before baking. This adds a crisp layer without frying the chicken. You want the coating to be golden and crispy, not soggy. For extra flavor, play with the spices in the mix. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper. You can also try adding some dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a different taste. A bit of garlic powder can also brighten the dish. Adjust the spices based on your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Make your dish look great by arranging the chicken nicely on a platter. Drizzle some hot honey on top for a shiny effect. Scatter freshly chopped parsley around the chicken for color. Serve it with sides like coleslaw or fresh veggies. This adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} If you don't have buttermilk, use plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. For all-purpose flour, you can swap it with whole wheat flour or almond flour. These options will change the taste slightly but still work well in this recipe. You can easily change the spice level. If you want it milder, cut the cayenne pepper in half or leave it out. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or try using hot paprika instead. Taste the coating mix before you coat the chicken to find the right heat for you. If you prefer a faster method, try using an air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes. For stovetop cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each piece for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Both methods yield crispy chicken, just like the oven! Find the Full Recipe to explore these variations and make this dish your own! To keep your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer. To reheat your chicken and keep it crunchy, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. If you want to freeze the chicken, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, it will last for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best crunch. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. The best way to marinate chicken is to use buttermilk. It keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. This longer time allows the chicken to absorb more flavor. Always cover your bowl with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are better. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist. They also have a richer flavor. Chicken breasts can dry out quicker when cooked. If you use breasts, check them often to avoid overcooking. Making homemade hot honey is easy! Here’s a quick recipe: - Ingredients: - 1 cup honey - 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (adjust to your spice level) - Instructions: 1. In a small saucepan, mix honey and hot sauce. 2. Heat over low heat until it's warm. 3. Stir well and remove from heat. 4. Let it cool before using. This hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick to your dish. For sides, you have many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw for crunch and creaminess. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. - Mashed potatoes to soak up the hot honey. - Rice to balance the flavors. - Cornbread for a sweet side. These sides complement the chicken well and make a complete meal. In this post, we covered the key steps to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. You learned about the best ingredients, how to prepare and bake the chicken, and tips for achieving crunch. We also explored variations and storage ideas. Baking this dish is simple yet rewarding. With just a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy your tasty creation and the smiles it brings!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Indulge in the deliciousness of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! With juicy, marinated chicken thighs coated in a flavorful blend of spices and a sweet kick from hot honey, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds. Perfect for dinner or a cozy gathering, follow our easy step-by-step recipe for a crispy, mouthwatering treat. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on the desired spice level)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a spacious bowl, immerse the chicken thighs in buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a duration of at least 1 hour, though for optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight if time allows.

    Prepare the Coating: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined to evenly distribute the spices.

      Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

        Coat the Chicken: After marination, take the chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure a solid coating. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on your lined baking sheet.

          Bake: Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle it with a small amount of olive oil to enhance its crunchiness. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Finish with Hot Honey: Right after pulling the chicken from the oven, generously drizzle hot honey over each piece, allowing the warmth from the chicken to slightly caramelize the honey for an extra layer of flavor.

              Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve while hot.

                Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, elegantly arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra hot honey and sprinkle with parsley. Pair with a refreshing side of coleslaw or fresh vegetables for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.