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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Crispy

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness all in one bite, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe. It takes everything you love about crispy fried chicken and transforms it into a lighter, oven-baked version that’s just as satisfying—without the mess or excess oil. With its golden crust and sticky-sweet glaze, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds.

The secret to this recipe lies in its two layers of flavor. First, the chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture that bakes into a crunchy shell, locking in the meat’s natural juiciness. The oven does all the work, giving you that crisp texture you’d expect from frying, but with far less effort. Then comes the star of the show: the hot honey glaze. Made by combining honey with just the right touch of chili heat, it strikes a mouthwatering balance of sweet and spicy that clings perfectly to every crispy bite.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility. Serve it over fluffy rice with roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner, or slice it up and layer it into sandwiches or wraps for an irresistible lunch. Want to impress at a party? Turn these into bite-sized chicken tenders or nuggets and serve with extra hot honey on the side for dipping—guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Another bonus: this recipe is easy to customize. Dial up the heat with more chili flakes or hot sauce, or keep it mild for those who prefer just a hint of spice. No matter how you make it, the combination of crunchy chicken and sticky hot honey glaze creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

Simple, bold, and addictive, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken proves that comfort food can be both easy and exciting. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular feature in your weekly meal plan.


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)


Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
  4. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

3. Bake the Chicken:

  1. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp up.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

  1. While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  2. If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.

5. Glaze the Chicken:

  1. When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like extra sauce, you can toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired.
  2. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.