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Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

Close-up of crispy fried chicken pieces drizzled with glossy hot honey sauce.
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You can make incredibly crispy, sweet, and spicy hot honey chicken thighs using a simple sheet pan baking method. This recipe delivers gourmet flavor without deep frying, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  3. Set up a dredging station. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second dish, whisk the egg with the water. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge each chicken thigh first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the thigh firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat the skin completely.
  5. Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the tops lightly with the olive oil.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and warm. Do not boil.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Brush the warm hot honey glaze generously over the crispy chicken thighs before serving. Serve immediately for the best sweet heat flavor.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can place the coated chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet before baking.
  • If you want a thicker glaze, simmer the honey mixture for 2 minutes until it reduces slightly, then cool before brushing onto the chicken.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts or tenders for thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed for thinner cuts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/hot-honey-chicken-crispy-baked-recipe/