Sweet & Fiery Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this baked hot honey chicken sensation.

honey sweet and spicy notes bring unexpected excitement to standard poultry preparations.

Golden-brown edges promise maximum crunch without deep-frying complications.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to create restaurant-quality results in your kitchen.

Simple techniques ensure tender meat beneath an irresistible glazed exterior.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor with zero complicated steps.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Helpful Tips for Hot Honey Chicken

• Add extra seasoning like dried herbs or grated parmesan to panko mixture for deeper flavor complexity.
• Use a light, even spray to help chicken achieve maximum crispiness without excess grease.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Serve immediately after drizzling hot honey sauce to maintain optimal crunchiness and temperature.

Flavor Variations for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornflake crumbs for extra crispiness and swap regular flour for cornstarch.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture. Replace hot sauce with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for different heat levels.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener for the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter in the hot honey sauce. Select plant-based butter substitutes to maintain the recipe's creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Dinner Companion: Pair this crunchy hot honey chicken with cool coleslaw to balance the heat and add refreshing crunch.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious hot honey sauce.
• Fresh Flavor Booster: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top to add bright color and herbal notes that complement the chicken's spiciness.
• Quick Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for guests who want extra cooling dip with their crispy chicken.

Storage Advice for Baked Hot Honey Chicken

• Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid storing with the hot honey sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Preheat to 350F, spread chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Restore crunchiness by placing on a wire rack for even heating.
• Heat for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out, though this method may slightly reduce the original crispy texture.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy after baking?

Use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray oil before baking. This helps create a crunchy exterior that remains crisp even after drizzling the hot honey sauce.

• Can I use different types of hot sauce?

Yes, you can customize the heat level by using sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or any preferred hot sauce. Adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance.

• Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?

Absolutely. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. This prevents undercooking and potential foodborne illness.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Overview

• Crisp Up Your Meal: Achieve restaurant-quality crunch with a simple baking technique that delivers golden, perfectly coated chicken without deep-frying.
• Spice Up Family Dinner: Combine sweet and spicy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adventurous palates.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Create a gourmet-style meal with just a few ingredients and basic kitchen skills, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking expertise.
• Quick Kitchen Cleanup: Use parchment paper and a single baking sheet to minimize mess, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without extensive cleaning afterward.

Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender and juicy protein that serves as the base of this crispy baked dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth base layer for the chicken coating.
• Eggs: Bind the breadcrumb coating to the chicken surface.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light and crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the flavor profile of the breadcrumb coating.

• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick to the honey sauce.
• Butter: Helps smooth and blend the sauce ingredients.

• Oil Spray: Helps achieve a golden and crispy exterior on the chicken.

How to Prepare Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

• Flour bowl
• Beaten egg bowl
• Seasoned panko breadcrumbs (mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

• Coating thoroughly in flour
• Dunking into beaten eggs
• Rolling generously in seasoned panko mixture

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and give a light spray of oil to help achieve maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Craft the Hot Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Butter

Melt and mix these ingredients until they become a delicious, glossy sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Fiery Sweetness

Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the freshly baked chicken and serve immediately for maximum flavor and crunch.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy hot honey chicken brings zesty Southern comfort to dinner tables nationwide. Spicy-sweet glaze and golden breading create irresistible flavor profiles for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Wet and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup honey
• 1 – 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Create three separate stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece first in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dunk into beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
4. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece.
5. Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray to enhance golden browning.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking and a uniform golden-brown color.
7. While chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8. Gently melt and blend the sauce ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
9. Once chicken is fully cooked and crispy, remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the hot honey sauce.
10. Serve the baked crunchy hot honey chicken right away for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden-brown breading that sticks perfectly.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery hot.
• Replace regular honey with local raw honey for enhanced nutritional benefits and deeper flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 472 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg