Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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); Fresh chopped parsley; Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)

▼ Jump to Recipe·🖷 Print

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that perfectly balances crispy textures with sweet and spicy flavors, look no further than this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe.

Not only does it deliver mouthwatering results, but it’s also a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

With its golden, crunchy coating and a drizzle of sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying keeps the chicken crispy without the excess oil.
Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level in the hot honey sauce, so it’s perfect for kids or spice lovers alike.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This recipe serves about 4 people, but feel free to double it if you’re feeding a larger crowd.

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, for added depth)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist)

For Garnish (Optional):

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

To ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned and crispy, follow these steps:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:

Dish 1: Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Dish 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
Dish 3: Add panko breadcrumbs.

Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

3. Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet. For an extra-crispy coating, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While your chicken is baking to perfection, it’s time to whip up the star of the show—the hot honey sauce.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

Honey
Hot sauce
Butter
Red pepper flakes (if using)

Stir occasionally until the butter melts and everything is well combined.
For an added layer of flavor, stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if you enjoy a slight tang.

Tip: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

5. Glaze the Chicken

Once your chicken is out of the oven, it’s time to bring everything together:

Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
For even more flavor, toss the chicken in a bowl with the sauce to coat it thoroughly.

6. Garnish and Serve

For that final touch, garnish your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. These additions not only look beautiful but also add extra texture and flavor.

Pair your chicken with your favorite sides—some great options include roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp garden salad.

Tips for Success

Even Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated during breading for consistent crispiness.
Don’t Skip the Spray: A light mist of cooking spray or drizzle of oil ensures that your coating crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Adjust the Spice: If you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice, start with less hot sauce and red pepper flakes—you can always add more later!
Make It Ahead: The hot honey sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat before serving.

Why Bake Instead of Fry?

Baking not only cuts down on calories but also eliminates the hassle of dealing with hot oil splatters. Plus, with panko breadcrumbs and a little olive oil spray, you’ll achieve that same golden crunch without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its crispy coating and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, crunchy, and satisfying.

So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media—we love seeing your creations!

Enjoy every bite of this sweet and spicy masterpiece!