There's nothing quite like biting into a piece of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze. This recipe delivers all the flavor of a restaurant-quality dish while being surprisingly simple to make at home.
I discovered hot honey a few years ago and have been obsessed ever since. Pairing it with crunchy baked chicken has quickly become a family favorite, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into why this dish will be your next go-to!
Why You'll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something special.
First off, it’s healthier than traditional fried chicken. By baking instead of frying, you still achieve a satisfyingly crispy coating without the excess oil or mess.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or tucked into a sandwich, this dish adapts effortlessly to your menu.
Not to mention, the hot honey glaze is a flavor explosion. Sweetness from the honey balances the heat from the chili flakes and cayenne, creating a perfect harmony of bold tastes.
Finally, this recipe is family-friendly. You can adjust the spice level to suit even the youngest palates, making it a hit for kids and adults alike. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that bring it all together.
Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that signature crunch. Toasting them before coating the chicken takes them to the next level.
Flour and Egg Mixture: The combination of flour and beaten eggs creates the perfect base for the breadcrumbs to adhere to, ensuring an even, crispy coating.
Hot Honey Glaze: The star of the dish! You’ll need honey, butter, and a mix of spices like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and paprika to create this addictive sauce.
Cooking Spray: A light mist ensures the coating turns golden and crunchy in the oven without sticking.
You’ll also need a wire rack and baking sheet for optimal crispiness during cooking. Now that you know the essentials, let’s get into the step-by-step process.
How To Make This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Making this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your breading station. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with toasted panko breadcrumbs. The toasted breadcrumbs give the chicken its golden, crunchy coating.
Slice your chicken into evenly sized strips or pieces for consistent cooking. Dip each piece into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating an evenly crispy crust. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey, chili flakes, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and immediately brush each piece with the hot honey glaze. The heat of the chicken helps the glaze soak in, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor. In under an hour, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to steal the show!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store them to maintain their flavor and texture.
Refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. To keep the coating crispy, avoid wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap directly.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Lay the pieces on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own.
For a gluten-free version, swap the panko and flour for gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour also works well as a substitute.
Want it spicier? Increase the cayenne and chili flakes in the glaze, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter in the glaze.
Looking for a tangy twist? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for a sweet-and-sour punch.
Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu. Both absorb the glaze beautifully and crisp up nicely in the oven.
With this recipe, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and discover your new favorite variation!
PrintBaked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a mouthwatering blend of crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It's the perfect main dish for dinner that combines bold flavors with a healthier cooking method. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup hot honey
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare a breading station: add flour to one bowl, beaten eggs to another, and panko mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in the egg, and coat with the seasoned panko mixture.
- Place chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, mix hot honey with melted butter. Brush the glaze over the baked chicken.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors!
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Substitute hot honey with regular honey and a dash of hot sauce if needed.
- Use an air fryer at 375°F for 25 minutes for an even crispier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
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