If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, you’ve just found it! This baked crunchy hot honey chicken recipe is a true game-changer. Imagine golden, crunchy chicken coated with a luscious hot honey glaze—it’s irresistible! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked crunchy hot honey chicken Recipe

This baked crunchy hot honey chicken isn’t your average weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor and delivers all the satisfaction of fried chicken—without the mess or guilt!

Reasons to Love It

• Baked, Not Fried: Healthier than traditional fried chicken but just as satisfying
• Sweet & Spicy Perfection: The hot honey glaze is the perfect mix of sweet heat
• Incredibly Crunchy: Thanks to a seasoned panko breadcrumb coating
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry

What Does It Taste Like

This chicken is crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with a bold punch of flavor from the hot honey glaze. The honey provides a mellow sweetness, while the chili flakes and cayenne pepper give it just the right amount of kick. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients Baked crunchy hot honey chicken

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon butter

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Saucepan
• Basting brush

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tender chicken).

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes (flipping halfway) until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, combine honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each piece.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese
• Fresh & Light: A crisp coleslaw or mixed green salad
• Hearty Grains: Buttered rice or quinoa
• Veggie Love: Roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, or sautéed green beans

Tips for Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor
• Double-Coating Option: For extra crunch, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk after the first coating, then re-coat with breadcrumbs
• Keep it Crispy: Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to let air circulate under the chicken for even crisping
• Adjust the Heat: Love it mild? Use less cayenne and chili flakes. Want it fiery? Add more

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to keep the coating crispy
• Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through

Q: Is there a substitute for hot sauce in the glaze?
You can use chili paste, sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the honey

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour substitutes

Conclusion

Baked crunchy hot honey chicken , There you have it: baked crunchy hot honey chicken that’s as stunning as it is delicious. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Best of all, it’s baked, so you can indulge without the guilt!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a review below or share your photos on Pinterest. And while you’re at it, check out some of my other must-try recipes:

Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Nutritional Information (per serving) Baked crunchy hot honey chicken

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g

Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, sticky bite! ❤️

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