Sizzling Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this baked hot honey chicken that promises pure excitement.

honey-glazed goodness transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece everyone craves.

Sweet and spicy notes dance across perfectly golden pieces, creating an irresistible combination.

Quick marinades and simple ingredients mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Golden-brown edges and a glistening sauce make this dish look like something from a professional kitchen.

Layers of flavor promise to turn an average meal into a memorable feast.

Buckle up for a culinary adventure that will have you returning to this recipe again and again.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken to Savor

• Boost Crispy Texture: Get perfectly crunchy chicken with a golden panko coating that delivers incredible crunch without deep-frying, making it healthier and more satisfying.
• Spice Up Family Meals: Packed with bold flavors from smoked paprika, cayenne, and hot honey glaze, this dish transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will love.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep and simple ingredients mean you can have a gourmet-style dinner on the table with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by modifying cayenne and hot sauce quantities, allowing each cook to create a personalized version that matches their taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Hot Honey Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the base of this crispy baked dish.

• Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the breading to stick.
• Eggs: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Adds layers of savory and spicy flavor to the breading.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Honey, Hot Sauce, Butter: Combines to create a sweet and spicy glaze that coats the crispy chicken.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve extra crispiness on the chicken's surface.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Dredging Stations

• Flour bowl
• Beaten eggs bowl
• Panko breadcrumb mixture bowl (combine with)
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

• First, roll in flour
• Dunk in egg wash
• Generously coat with seasoned panko mixture
• Press breadcrumbs firmly to create a perfect crunchy armor

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Carefully place breaded chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Give a light spritz of cooking spray to boost crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and ensure chicken reaches 165F (74C) internal temperature.

Step 6: Whip Up Hot Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Butter

Combine in a small saucepan over low heat.

Stir until silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish with Spicy Sweet Drizzle

Once chicken is done, generously drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy pieces.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Tips to Nail Hot Honey Chicken

• Create a crispier coating by pressing panko mixture firmly onto chicken to maximize crunch and texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat levels.
• Elevate dish by serving with cooling side like ranch dressing or cucumber salad to balance spicy glaze.
• Ensure even browning by rotating baking sheet midway through cooking for consistent golden color.

Flavorful Twists on Hot Honey Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for crispy coating.
• Spicy Sriracha Swap: Substitute hot honey glaze with sriracha-maple syrup mixture for a tangy, sweet-heat alternative.
• Air Fryer Express: Cook chicken in air fryer at 375F for 12-15 minutes, achieving same crispy texture with less oil.
• Herb-Infused Version: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into panko coating for aromatic flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Hot Honey Chicken

• Crispy Dinner Delight: Perfect pairings elevate this hot honey chicken from simple meal to restaurant-worthy experience.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or fresh cucumber salad to balance the spicy-sweet chicken with cool, crunchy textures.
• Comfort Plate Combo: Nestle chicken atop fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious hot honey glaze and create a satisfying complete meal.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and drizzle with extra hot honey for crowd-pleasing game day or cocktail party snacks.

Storage Tips for Hot Honey Chicken

• Store leftover baked crunchy hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Keep hot honey glaze in a separate sealed container to preserve its texture and flavor.
• Place chicken in a shallow, flat container to prevent crushing the crispy coating.
• Add a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Restore crispiness by reheating in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko creates a lighter, crispier coating that stays crunchier longer and provides better texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate cayenne pepper and choose a milder hot sauce to decrease the heat level while maintaining flavor complexity.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and often provide more moisture and richer flavor than chicken breasts, just ensure they reach the same internal temperature.

• What makes the hot honey glaze special?

The combination of sweet honey, spicy hot sauce, and rich butter creates a balanced, complex flavor that elevates the crispy chicken with a delicious sweet-heat profile.

Crispy Sticky Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering hot honey chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection with a spicy-sweet glaze. Chicken lovers will savor this irresistible Southern-style dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Coating and Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400F (200C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp coating.
2. Create a three-part breading station using separate shallow dishes: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with seasoned panko crumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by first dredging in flour, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess. Dip immediately into beaten eggs, allowing surplus to drip away.
4. Transfer egg-coated chicken into seasoned panko mixture, pressing firmly to help breadcrumbs adhere completely and create a robust, crunchy exterior.
5. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces. Lightly mist with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and crispness.
6. Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking process to ensure even browning. Chicken is ready when exterior turns deep golden and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
7. Meanwhile, prepare hot honey glaze by gently melting honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until ingredients combine smoothly.
8. Once chicken is cooked, immediately drizzle with prepared hot honey glaze, ensuring each piece receives an even coating for maximum flavor intensity.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to help breading stick better and create crispier texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely without overcooking.
• Experiment with different hot sauces like Sriracha or Cholula for unique flavor variations.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour and use gluten-free panko.
• Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes for increased heat if you enjoy spicier dishes.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.
• Store leftover hot honey sauce separately to maintain chicken’s crunchiness when reheating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg