I recently tried a recipe that completely transformed the way I think about baked chicken. Say hello to Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This dish is everything you could want in a dinner—golden, crispy coating with juicy, tender meat inside, topped with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.
I first made it on a whim when I was craving something indulgent yet guilt-free, and it didn’t disappoint. Not only did I fall in love with its flavor, but my family kept reaching for seconds until the plate was wiped clean.
The best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier option for comfort food. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe every time you want a show-stopping meal in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe isn’t just another baked chicken dish. There are plenty of reasons why it’s going to be a favorite at your dinner table:
1. It’s Easy to Prepare
Who doesn’t love a recipe that looks fancy but is actually super simple? With just a few basic steps like dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, you’ve laid the groundwork for that irresistible crunch. The hot honey glaze comes together in a few minutes while the chicken bakes. This recipe is perfect even for those hectic weeknights.
2. Healthier Option
Since the chicken is baked instead of fried, you’re cutting back on unnecessary oil while still getting that golden, crispy texture. Swapping frying for baking also means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
3. Versatile Flavor
This dish can be customized however you like. Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the spice and focus on the honey sweetness. The flavors in this recipe are incredibly adaptable.
4. Family Approved
Adults and kids alike will rave about this dish! The crispy coating appeals to every chicken lover, while the sweet-spicy glaze brings an exciting twist. Plus, you can pair it with different sides for a complete meal.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
Double up the recipe, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal prep option. The chicken reheats beautifully and stays crunchy, making it an ideal choice for packed lunches or last-minute dinners.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Unsalted butter
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
Variations
This recipe is flexible! Here are some great alternatives and add-ins to suit different preferences:
- Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the butter in the sauce and use vegan margarine or olive oil instead.
- Go Gluten-Free: Replace the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Low-Sugar Version: Substitute the honey with sugar-free syrup or a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit.
- Extra Spice: Double the hot sauce or increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet: To bake the chicken for evenly crispy results.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: For nonstick, easy cleanup.
- Shallow Bowls: For the dredging process (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs).
- Small Saucepan: To cook the hot honey glaze.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken and tossing it in the sauce.
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly sweet, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of heat and flavor! Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering dish that’s both crunchy and juicy.
1. Preheat the Oven 🔥
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Chicken 🐔
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Set up three shallow bowls:
- One for the flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- One for beaten eggs.
- One for panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, coat it in the eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
3. Bake the Chicken 🍗
Place the breaded chicken onto your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to achieve that crunchy outer layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks beautifully golden.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce 🍯🌶
While the chicken bakes, make the glaze. Heat honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce blends. Add red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess.
5. Glaze the Chicken ✨
Pull the cooked chicken out of the oven. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top or toss the chicken in it for an extra coating. The glaze infuses every bite with sticky, flavorful goodness.
6. Serve and Garnish 🌿
Plate the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for an added crunch and pop of color.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is dry before dredging for the coating to stick better.
- Keep Ingredients Fresh: Use fresh eggs and panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest results.
- Adjust Sweetness & Spice: Feel free to tweak the honey-to-hot sauce ratio based on your preferences.
- Flip Carefully: Flip the chicken gently halfway through cooking to keep the coating intact.
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
Pair this dish with sides that balance its bold flavors. Some great options include roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a fun touch, serve the chicken over a waffle or with cornbread to lean into its sweet-and-savory profile. Add more sauce on the side for dipping!
Nutritional Information
This dish is packed with flavor without going overboard on calories. Per serving, it contains:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~12g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, you’ll be happy to know this dish is meal-prep friendly. Bake the chicken and store it without the sauce for the best crunch.
Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Freezing:
Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before glazing.
There you have it! A flavorful, easy-to-make, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat. Enjoy!
Check out this step-by-step video:
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika optional
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Unsalted butter
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice optional
- Fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Set up three shallow bowls: 1. One for the flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 2. One for beaten eggs. 3. One for panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, coat it in the eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Place the breaded chicken onto your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to achieve that crunchy outer layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks beautifully golden.
- While the chicken bakes, make the glaze. Heat honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce blends. Add red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Pull the cooked chicken out of the oven. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top or toss the chicken in it for an extra coating. The glaze infuses every bite with sticky, flavorful goodness.
- Plate the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for an added crunch and pop of color.
Notes
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is dry before dredging for the coating to stick better.
- Keep Ingredients Fresh: Use fresh eggs and panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest results.
- Adjust Sweetness & Spice: Feel free to tweak the honey-to-hot sauce ratio based on your preferences.
- Flip Carefully: Flip the chicken gently halfway through cooking to keep the coating intact.
