Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers the perfect combination of crispy texture and sweet-heat flavor—all without frying. Juicy chicken is coated in a crunchy crust, baked until golden, and finished with a sticky drizzle of homemade hot honey. It’s an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for weeknight dinners, game day, or anytime you want bold, crave-worthy flavor with a healthier twist.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into strips or left whole)buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)eggsall-purpose flourpanko breadcrumbsseasoned breadcrumbs (optional)paprikagarlic powderonion powdersaltblack peppercooking spray or olive oil spray

Hot Honey Sauce:
honeyhot sauce (like Frank’s or sriracha)red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for balance)

directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it.

In a bowl, marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour and spices, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko and seasoned breadcrumbs.

Remove chicken from marinade, coat in flour, dip in eggs, then press into breadcrumb mixture until well coated.

Place breaded chicken on the rack and spray tops lightly with cooking spray.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Meanwhile, make hot honey by warming honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a saucepan until just bubbling.

Drizzle hot honey over baked chicken or serve it on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes (or overnight)Baking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 45-60 minutes

Variations

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Use bone-in chicken pieces and adjust baking time accordingly.

Try it with maple syrup for a twist on the hot honey.

Add cayenne to the flour mixture for an extra kick.

Serve over waffles or in a sandwich for a full meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.Not recommended for freezing once baked.

FAQs

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is the hot honey spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick—adjust hot sauce and flakes to your taste.

Can I skip the marinade?

You can, but marinating adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.

What’s the best chicken cut to use?

Boneless thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too—just watch the bake time.

Can I make this ahead?

You can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

What do I serve with it?

Try mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a simple salad.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate fusion of crispy, sweet, and spicy in one easy-to-make dish. With its bold flavor and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table—no deep frying needed.

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