– 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup hot honey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Olive oil spray for baking
Creating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is easy when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are coated. Let sit for 15-30 minutes for maximum tenderness.
3. Prepare Dry Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off the excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coating.
5. Bake Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crunchy.
7. Prepare Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the hot honey with melted butter, stirring well.
8. Glaze Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
9. Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
10. Serve: Take the chicken out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.