Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
08 - 2 large eggs, beaten
09 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

→ For the Hot Honey Sauce

10 - 1/4 cup honey
11 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

→ For Garnish (optional)

15 - Fresh chopped parsley
16 - Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with panko. Press gently to ensure adherence.
03 - Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and crispy.
04 - While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for tang, if desired.
05 - Once baked, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken. For extra coverage, toss chicken in the sauce.
06 - Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts. Serve with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.