Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken

What is Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken?

Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the sweet stickiness of honey, all wrapped up in a crispy baked chicken coating. This dish is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to enjoy a deliciously spicy and sweet chicken treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers all the flavor of fried chicken wings but with a healthier twist. Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces the fat content, while the honey buffalo sauce provides a delectable combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Plus, the crunch from the baked coating is irresistible.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Chicken

1. Trim and Cut: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Prepping the Coating

1. Mixing: In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Baking Instructions

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

1. Dredging: Start by dredging the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated.
3. Bread Crumbs: Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Even Coating: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with flour, egg, and bread crumbs for a uniform crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space the chicken pieces out on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking.

Making the Honey Buffalo Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Honey: 1/2 cup.
• Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup.

Cooking the Sauce

1. Combine: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and buffalo sauce.
2. Heat: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and well combined.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Coating the Chicken

1. Tossing: Once the chicken is baked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Baking After Saucing

1. Bake Again: Return the coated chicken to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Side Dishes

• Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks: Classic sides for buffalo chicken.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Adds a sweet and savory contrast.

Presentation Tips

• Garnish with Chopped Parsley: Adds a pop of color.
• Serve on a Platter: For an impressive presentation.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving.
• Protein: High protein content from the chicken.
• Fats and Carbs: Balanced by the breading and honey buffalo sauce.

Health Benefits

• High Protein: Great for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: From the chicken and honey.

Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Leads to uneven cooking.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Can result in soggy chicken.

Chef’s Secrets

• Use Panko Bread Crumbs: For the crispiest coating.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze over the chicken just before serving for a zesty kick.

Variations of Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken

Gluten-Free Version

• Substitute Bread Crumbs: Use gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Flour Alternative: Use rice flour or cornstarch.

Low-Calorie Version

• Less Honey: Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce.
• Lighter Coating: Use less breading for fewer calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Can It Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and breading mixture a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

What to Do with Leftovers?

Chop and use in sandwiches or salads for a delicious twist.

Can I Freeze Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken?

Yes, freeze after breading but before baking. Thaw completely before cooking.

How to Keep the Chicken Crispy?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the best of both worlds: the crispiness of fried chicken and the sweet, spicy flavor of honey buffalo sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Try it out and enjoy the delightful flavors today!

FAQs Section

1. How do I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
   • Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken?
   • Celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and sweet potato fries are great options.
3. Can I use other types of sauce?
   • Yes, you can substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce or any other sauce you prefer.
4. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
   • Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
5. What is the best oil for baking?
   • Olive oil is recommended for its flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.
     Yield: 6

     Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken

     

     Print

     Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the sweet stickiness of honey, all wrapped up in a crispy baked chicken coating. This dish is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to enjoy a deliciously spicy and sweet chicken treat.

     Prep Time 15 minutes

     Cook Time 25 minutes

     Ingredients

     • 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten, free if needed)
     • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
     • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
     • 1 teaspoon onion powder
     • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
     • 2 large eggs, beaten
     • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
     • 2 pounds chicken breast or skinless thighs
     • extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
     • blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
     • sliced green onions, for serving
     • HONEY BUFFALO SAUCE
     • 1/2 cup hot sauce
     • 6 tablespoons salted butter
     • 1-2 teaspoons seasoned salt
     • 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
     • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
     • 2 tablespoons honey

     Instructions

     1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

     2. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.

     3. Beat the eggs in a bowl, add the hot sauce and chicken, and toss well to coat.

     4. Dredge the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back through the eggs, then through the crumbs a second time. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp all around.

     5. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt together the hot sauce, butter, seasoned salt, and cayenne. Stir until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and mix in the honey.

     6. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the chicken. Top with green onions and blue cheese/ranch dressing. I love this over rice, but it's also great with french fries. Enjoy!

     Nutrition Information:

     
     Amount Per Serving: Calories: 442