This crispy oven-fried chicken is slathered with a jalapeno- and cayenne pepper-infused honey.
Save the extra hot honey because youll be double-dipping!
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
Growing up, one of my favorite mealsI mean my absolute favoritewas fried chicken.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
My grandmother would carefully monitor it frying on the stovetop.
As far as I can remember, it was always just right.
Crispy deep-fried chicken relies on the perfect oil temperature.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
The breading will burn while the inside remains raw (yikes!).
Itll turn out greasy and not crispy.
So I take a quick and easy route to perfectly crispy fried chicken:the oven!
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
A good oven-fried chicken is just as rewarding, and a bit healthier than deep-fried chicken.
For this recipe, the chicken is marinated in buttermilk and dredged in panko breadcrumbs.
It gets baked until golden brown and super crispy.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
Then it gets a delicious drizzle of sweet and spicy honey (aka hot honey).
My husband loves to cut it up for salads.
No matter how you decide to serve it, you wont be disappointed!
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
Im Obsessed With Hot Honey
Hot honey is, first and foremost, wonderful!
Its simply honey infused with spices and chili peppers to make it spicy.
Pick a honey you really enjoy.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
I use a darker honey for this recipe, but a light one will work well too!
Cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce are good options to add spice.
For this recipe, I add thinly sliced fresh jalapeno peppers in addition to paprika and cayenne pepper.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
That said, start with one teaspoon, you might always add more!
With honey and some heat and you’re able to make hot honey.
From there it’s possible for you to adjust the spice level and seasoning to your tastes.
Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham
Quick Tip!
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken
Is Your Chicken Cooked Through?
This chicken is baked for 30 minutes in a 425F oven.
This should be enough time for the chicken to cook all the way through without burning the breading.
However, tent the chicken with foil if it starts getting too dark before its cooked through.
The easiest and most reliable way to test the chicken for doneness is to use a kitchen thermometer.
The FDA recommends cooking chicken to 165F.
you might also check for doneness by cutting through a thick piece of chicken.
It should appear white, not pink.
For a vegetable side, thisroasted broccolinionly takes 6 to 8 minutes under the broiler.
Seal the bag tightly and massage the buttermilk into the chicken.
Refrigerate the chicken for 30 minutes or up 24 hours.
Set the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 425F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, flour, and salt.
Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs.
Use your hands to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken.
Transfer the breaded chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray.
Bake it for 20 minutes.
The breading should be a light golden brown; it may have a few darker spots.
When cooked through, an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 165F.
While the chicken bakes, set a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the butter, garlic, and jalapenos.
Cook until the jalapenos soften, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
Stir in the honey and vinegar.
Give it a taste and add more cayenne or paprika, if desired.
Remove the hot honey from the heat.
Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes.
Right before serving, spoon the hot honey over it to lightly coat.
Serve warm with extra hot honey on the side.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken tightly covered for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftover in a 400F oven until warmed through.
