Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s equal parts crispy, sweet, and spicy, then this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken with a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat on the inside, all drizzled with a sticky-sweet, spicy hot honey glaze that brings the perfect balance of flavor.

It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive enough for a special occasion but is easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love—whether you’re serving it up with a side of mashed potatoes, over rice, or just on its own. The best part? You don’t have to deep fry anything. This baked version gives you all the crispy crunch without the mess and extra oil. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this recipe that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will have you hooked from the first bite:

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

You don’t need a fancy pantry to make this meal. A few everyday ingredients like chicken thighs, breadcrumbs, and hot honey will get you everything you need to create this irresistible dish.

Crispy Without the Frying

This chicken gets its crunchiness from a simple breadcrumb coating and a quick bake in the oven. That means you’ll get all the crispy goodness without any of the frying mess (or oil splatters). Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen!

Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addicting

The star of this recipe is the hot honey glaze. It’s a combo of honey and hot sauce that creates this sweet-and-spicy topping that’s so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This baked chicken works for weeknight dinners, weekend get-togethers, and even meal prep for the week. It’s simple yet impressive, and I promise your family and friends will be asking for the recipe after the first bite.

Personal Touch

I first discovered hot honey when I was looking for ways to spice up simple chicken recipes. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how perfectly the sweet honey and spicy kick complemented each other. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth! Since then, I’ve made this recipe countless times. It’s become a staple in our household and a go-to for dinner parties. Plus, the crispy chicken and hot honey combo always gets rave reviews, making it the perfect dish for any occasion!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 35-40 minutes
• Total: 50-55 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people, making it great for a family meal or for meal prepping for the week.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 30g

Ingredients

For this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need just a few key ingredients to bring it all together:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)—Thighs are perfect because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work too.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour—This helps give the chicken a good coating that crisps up in the oven.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder—Adds flavor to the flour mixture.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder—A subtle savory touch.
• 1 teaspoon paprika—For that mild smokiness and a hint of color.
• 1 teaspoon salt—To season the chicken and the coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper—For a little heat in the coating.
• 2 large eggs—Helps the breadcrumbs stick and gives the coating a nice crunch.
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs—The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture. Panko gives it that airy, crunchy texture that’s hard to beat.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese—Adds a bit of richness and extra crispiness to the coating.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil—For brushing the chicken to help it crisp up in the oven.

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey—The base of the glaze, adding sweetness that balances out the heat.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I recommend something like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)—This is where the spicy kick comes in.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar—Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika—Optional, but it adds a bit more depth and smokiness to the glaze.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying crispy, hot honey chicken in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting the chicken nice and crispy while also cooking it through. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you have one. The wire rack helps the air circulate around the chicken, ensuring it crisps up all over.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your dry coating.

In another bowl, beat the eggs. This is what will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds an extra layer of crispiness and flavor to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Dip each chicken thigh first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Once all the chicken is coated, place it on the wire rack (if using) or directly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece of chicken with a little olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Don’t skip this step—it’s important to cook the chicken through while keeping the coating crispy.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the glaze simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Once it’s done, remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Hot Honey

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece gets a good coating. If you love the spicy kick, feel free to add a little extra hot sauce to the glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy goodness. Trust me, everyone is going to love this one!

How to Serve

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your sides and serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Serve over rice: Pair the chicken with a bed of fluffy rice, like jasmine or basmati, to soak up the delicious hot honey glaze.
• With mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes are the perfect contrast to the crispy chicken and the spicy-sweet glaze.
• With roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette work great with this dish.
• Over a salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken over a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heat.

Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the chicken: Give each piece of chicken plenty of space on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate and ensure it gets crispy all over.
• Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your spice tolerance. If you like it spicier, add a bit more hot sauce or even some chili flakes.
• Double the glaze: If you love that hot honey flavor (who wouldn’t?), double the glaze recipe so you can drizzle even more on top or serve extra on the side for dipping.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are a few variations to try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for the coating.
• Spicy-Sweet Swap: If you’re not into the heat, try swapping the hot sauce for a sweet chili sauce for a more mild, sweet glaze.
• Vegetarian Option: Make this recipe vegetarian by using cauliflower instead of chicken. Coat the cauliflower florets in the same breadcrumb mixture and bake until crispy for a delicious plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and freeze your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
• Freezing: To freeze the chicken, place it on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen chicken at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special tools for this recipe, but a few kitchen staples will help:

• Baking sheet with a wire rack: This will help the chicken cook evenly and get extra crispy.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
• Fine mesh strainer: If you want to sift the flour mixture, this helps ensure there are no lumps.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts will work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as breasts may cook faster.

Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it up in a small saucepan when you’re ready to use it.

Can I bake the chicken at a different temperature?
If you need to adjust the temperature, just be mindful of the cooking time. At 375°F, the chicken will take about 35-40 minutes to cook, while at 425°F, it will cook in 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken as I am! It’s crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy—all the things you love about comfort food, with a fun twist. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so I can see your creations. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner at home or for a special gathering, I’m sure it’ll be a hit. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, spicy bite!