Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken because it combines all the best elements: crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy sauce, and an easy, healthier cooking method. Baking the chicken instead of frying it keeps it lighter, but it doesn’t sacrifice that delicious crunch. The hot honey sauce brings just the right amount of heat and sweetness, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish will definitely become a favorite.

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

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

½ 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

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:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.

In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired.

Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. The prep time is 20 minutes, with a cook time of 30 minutes, bringing the total time to 50 minutes.

Variations

Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and add a bit more honey.

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they’ll work wonderfully in this recipe, offering even more juicy, tender meat.

Add More Flavor: Experiment with adding different spices to the breadcrumb coating like Italian seasoning, cumin, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of breasts or thighs?

Yes, chicken wings or drumsticks will work just as well. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as smaller pieces like wings might cook faster.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. Prepare the sauce just before serving for the best flavor.

Can I use a different kind of hot sauce?

Yes, you can use your favorite hot sauce or even experiment with sriracha, buffalo sauce, or chipotle for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or even rice.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy chicken and a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s healthier than the fried version but just as delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe is a winner. The hot honey sauce adds the perfect amount of kick and sweetness, while the crunchy breadcrumbs make every bite satisfying. Enjoy!

Print