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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken


  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken features tender chicken pieces baked to a golden crisp, coated with a vibrant glaze balancing sweet honey and spicy heat. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect combination of texture and flavor, suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions with customizable spice levels and a healthier alternative to frying.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts), tender cuts
  • 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus additional for seasoning chicken)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free flour or natural gelling agent mixed with water
  • Olive oil spray

Hot Honey Glaze

  • 1/3 cup natural honey (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons natural hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before coating.
  2. Create the Crispy Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix gluten-free flour or a natural gelling agent with water to form a wet batter that will help the coating adhere properly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the wet batter mixture, then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb blend, making sure each piece is evenly and thickly coated for maximum crunch.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray or wire rack. Lightly spray with olive oil spray to promote crisping. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, combine honey (natural), natural hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Once baked, brush the chicken generously with the hot honey glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of sticky sweetness and crunchy coating.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks and crisps well.
  • Use olive oil spray to achieve a golden crust without extra grease.
  • Press breadcrumb coating firmly to prevent it from falling off during baking.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts to customize the spice level.
  • Bake on a wire rack if possible to allow even air circulation for crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with glaze
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Baked Chicken, Hot Honey Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Sweet Chicken, Gluten Free Chicken