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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken


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

Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken, featuring juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy crust and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses plant-based ingredients and natural spices to deliver a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness, ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 ½ cups plant-based breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plant-based milk

Hot Honey Sauce

  • ½ cup pure honey (natural)
  • 1 tbsp crushed chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ tsp natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for initial flavor.
  2. Set Up the Coating Stations: In three separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika; plant-based milk; and a breadcrumb mixture combined with nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, and paprika. This layering process helps achieve maximum crunchiness after baking.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the plant-based milk, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to create a thick and even crust that will bake crispy and golden.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or placed on a baking rack to allow airflow. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
  5. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in crushed chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add the natural gelling agent to achieve a sticky, luscious texture for drizzling.
  6. Drizzle and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken pieces before serving for a sweet and spicy finish.

Notes

  • Use a baking rack to elevate the chicken and promote air circulation, preventing sogginess.
  • For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by repeating the milk and breadcrumb dip before baking.
  • Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking pan; space chicken pieces to develop a crispy crust.
  • Adjust the spiciness of the hot honey sauce by varying the amount of chili flakes used.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz chicken)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: baked crunchy hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, healthy crispy chicken, plant-based coating, hot honey sauce, easy chicken recipe