Description

This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy. Juicy chicken is coated in a crispy panko crust, then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that’s the perfect blend of heat and sweetness. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or with waffles, this dish will become your go-to comfort meal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh chopped parsley
Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken – Pat chicken dry. In one bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken – Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook Until Golden & Crispy –
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce – In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar/lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Drizzle and Serve – Pour the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken or toss to fully coat. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.

Notes

- Adjust Heat Level: Reduce hot sauce for a milder version or add extra red pepper flakes for more spice.
- Extra Crunch Tip: For a thicker crust, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Best Pairings: Serve with waffles, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or over a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked, Air Fried, or Pan-Fried
Cuisine: American