Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips) or 4 chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup crushed cornflakes; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for extra crispiness); ¼ cup honey; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is crispy, sweet, spicy, and absolutely addicting. It’s oven-baked to golden perfection and coated in a sticky, flavorful hot honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day snacks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken has the perfect balance of crunch and heat without the mess of deep frying. The combination of crispy breading and sweet-spicy honey glaze makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and healthier than traditional fried chicken.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
buttermilk
hot sauce
garlic powder
smoked paprika
salt
n black pepper
For the Breading:
panko breadcrumbs
crushed cornflakes
grated Parmesan cheese
smoked paprika
cayenne pepper
salt
black pepper
melted butter (for extra crispiness)
For the Hot Honey:
honey
hot sauce
red pepper flakes
apple cider vinegar

You’ll find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements below!

Breading the Chicken

Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumbs.

Baking to Perfection

Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Making the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and slightly thickened.

Coating the Chicken

Drizzle or brush the hot honey glaze over the baked chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a wire rack to keep the chicken crispy while baking.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to the honey glaze.
Toast the panko breadcrumbs before coating for extra crunch.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for tenders or wings for bite-sized portions.
Use gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free version.
Try different hot sauces to customize the heat and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. This chicken pairs well with cornbread or a cool ranch dipping sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bread the chicken in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Is this dish very spicy? It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level by tweaking the amount of hot sauce.

Can I air-fry this instead? Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy? Using a wire rack while baking and reheating in the oven helps maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet heat and crispiness. Whether for dinner, snacks, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!