Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that’s both crispy and packed with flavor, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe will not disappoint. It delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat, crunch, and creamy goodness, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or a comforting family meal. The combination of golden chicken breasts, rich cream sauce, and the kick from hot honey makes this dish unforgettable.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This recipe offers something for everyone:

• Crunchy texture: A golden sear on the chicken adds a delightful crunch.
• Balanced flavors: The sweetness of honey is perfectly offset by the spice, making this dish exciting but not overpowering.
• Quick and easy: Simple ingredients come together in under an hour for a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal. Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to an even thickness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet
• Meat mallet (to pound chicken breasts)
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Medium saucepan (for the sauce)
• Baking sheet (optional for warming noodles)
• Serving plates

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to keep the chicken warm after searing, especially if you’re preparing multiple batches.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that golden-brown crust when you sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the unsalted butter, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re browned and tender. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds depth of flavor to your sauce). Simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce the broth by half.

Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce

Once the broth has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let the chicken warm through for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve

To serve, place buttered noodles on a plate, top with the chicken, and generously spoon the sauce over everything. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

• Pound the chicken evenly: Ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness helps them cook uniformly and prevents dryness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re cooking multiple pieces of chicken, sear them in batches. Overcrowding the pan will result in steaming instead of a nice golden-brown crust.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly: Be patient with the sauce—rushing it will prevent it from thickening properly.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the chicken over wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the pasta. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, while a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese gives a touch of savory richness.

Pair the dish with a crisp, green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced meal. Avoid complex flavors that could overpower the sweet and spicy notes of the chicken.

Variations on Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Spice level: If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of hot honey or swap it for regular honey. For those who love spicy food, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
• Gluten-free: Substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta, or serve over roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have dried thyme or oregano, rosemary or Italian seasoning work just as well.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy.

When reheating:

• For the chicken, use an oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispy texture.
• Heat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
• Toss the noodles with a little butter or olive oil before reheating to prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They may take a few extra minutes to cook, but they remain juicy and flavorful.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and chicken, then store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently and combine.

What can I serve this dish with besides noodles?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The perfect combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible sweet-spicy hot honey glaze is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this!

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