Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin get extra crispy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Pour half of the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the chicken.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over so the skin side is up, and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Make Honey Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Glaze the Chicken: After the chicken has baked for the initial 50 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the honey glaze generously over the top of each thigh.
- Broil: Set the oven to broil, and place the glazed chicken back in the oven. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve your extra crispy honey baked chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the honey glaze make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry before coating it in the flour mixture to help the skin get crispier.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking it, which can dry it out.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Enjoy your delicious, extra crispy honey baked chicken!