Sweet & Spicy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken takes an unexpected turn with this hot honey chicken recipe that balances spicy and sweet perfectly.

Tender pieces of chicken emerge from the oven with a golden, crackling exterior coated in a luscious hot honey glaze.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch that melts into rich, complex flavors.

The combination of heat and sweetness creates an irresistible coating that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Honey adds a caramelized depth that complements the spicy undertones, making every mouthful a tantalizing experience.

You won’t be able to resist this crowd-pleasing dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table.

What Goes in Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this crispy baked dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the breadcrumb coating to stick perfectly.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and provides a binding layer.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures a super crunchy and light exterior for the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a warm, slightly smoky undertone to the chicken.
• Honey: Brings a natural sweetness to the glaze.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to balance the honey's sweetness.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth and rich glaze that coats the chicken.

Steps to Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Make sure every inch gets some love from the spices.

Step 3: Create Coating Stations

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Whisked eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs

Step 4: Dredge Chicken Pieces

• First, roll in flour
• Next, dip in beaten eggs
• Finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs

Press gently to help the coating stick like a best friend.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Flip halfway through to ensure even crispiness and a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Whip Up Hot Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Butter

Melt together over low heat, stirring until silky smooth.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Brush the hot honey mixture generously over the freshly baked chicken.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Fans

• Press panko firmly onto chicken for an extra crispy, thick coating that locks in moisture and creates a satisfying crunch.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Apply hot honey sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery, making the dish adaptable for different taste buds.
• Replace wheat flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Hot Honey Chicken Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Spicy Buffalo Swap: Substitute hot honey glaze with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a tangy, spicy alternative that packs a flavor punch.
• Herb-Infused Coating: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into panko breadcrumbs to create an aromatic, Mediterranean-inspired chicken variation.
• Tropical Air Fryer Method: Cook chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then brush with a mango-habanero glaze for a lighter, Caribbean-style preparation.

Plating Baked Hot Honey Chicken

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy chicken on a large wooden board with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey for a stunning centerpiece.
• Salad Sidekick: Slice chicken and place atop a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Game Day Delight: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve as appetizers with toothpicks, perfect for football watch parties or casual gatherings.
• Sandwich Sensation: Create mouthwatering sandwiches by nestling chicken between soft brioche buns with coleslaw or pickled onions for extra crunch.

Storing Baked Hot Honey Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the hot honey glaze separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crunchiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle with fresh hot honey glaze.
• Arrange chicken in a single layer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Crisp quickly without drying out the meat. Refresh with a light glaze before serving.

FAQs

• What makes the breading crispy?

Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. Pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken and baking at a high temperature helps achieve extra crispiness.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking and adjust baking time slightly based on the cut’s thickness.

• How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce you choose. For milder heat, use less hot sauce or choose a mild variety like Frank’s Red Hot. For more kick, add more hot sauce or use a spicier brand like Sriracha.

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Baked to Perfection

• Conquer Crispy Texture: Achieve restaurant-quality crunch with a simple three-step breading technique that guarantees golden, crispy exterior without deep-frying.
• Customize Spice Levels: Personalize heat intensity by adjusting hot sauce quantity, making this recipe perfect for different taste preferences from mild to fiery.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Combines familiar comfort food elements with gourmet twist, appealing to both kids and adults with its sweet-spicy honey glaze and satisfying crunch.
• Minimize Kitchen Mess: Baking method reduces oil splatter and cleanup compared to traditional frying, offering a healthier and more convenient cooking approach for busy home cooks.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy baked hot honey chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Homemade goodness meets irresistible texture, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil.
2. Sprinkle chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to enhance its flavor profile.
3. Create three separate vessels for the coating process: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third filled with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Meticulously dredge each chicken piece first in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to secure the crispy exterior.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between them for even cooking.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, rotating the pieces midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispiness and complete internal cooking.
7. While the chicken bakes, craft the glaze by gently melting honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until seamlessly combined.
8. Once chicken reaches perfect crispiness, immediately brush with the spicy-sweet honey glaze, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
9. Serve hot, allowing the glaze to slightly caramelize and intensify the chicken’s flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispiness, allowing air circulation around the chicken and preventing soggy bottoms.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crunchy texture.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to help the flour and breadcrumbs stick better and create a crunchier coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg