Irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken meets sweet-and-spicy magic in this mouthwatering baked hot honey chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Drizzles of golden honey infused with fiery peppers create an irresistible glaze coating each tender piece.

Salt and spice blend perfectly to unlock incredible flavor dimensions.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for home cooks wanting something spectacular.

Kitchen newbies and seasoned chefs alike can nail this simple yet impressive dish.

Simple techniques guarantee restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or fancy equipment.

FAQs

• What makes the breadcrumb coating extra crispy?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and flour creates a super crunchy exterior that gets golden and crisp when baked, providing a satisfying texture that’s different from traditional fried chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds tanginess, but if you don’t have it, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.

• How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze has a moderate heat level from the hot sauce, but you can adjust the spiciness by using more or less hot sauce according to your personal preference. The honey helps balance the heat with its sweetness.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Delivers Heat

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Combines spicy hot honey glaze with crispy chicken for a mouth-watering taste explosion that elevates traditional fried chicken.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults with its crunchy texture, balanced spiciness, and irresistible sweet-heat combination that encourages second helpings.
• Healthier Comfort Food: Baked instead of deep-fried, this recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken while maintaining incredible crunchiness and satisfying flavor profile.

Ingredient Checklist For Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the base for this crispy baked dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, All-Purpose Flour: Create a light and crunchy exterior that adds texture to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide a complex and spicy seasoning blend for deep flavor.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the honey glaze.
• Butter: Helps smooth and enrich the hot honey sauce.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures even browning and helps the coating become crisp.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Steps For Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for your chicken adventure.

Step 2: Tenderize and Marinate Chicken

Pound the chicken to create an even thickness.

Submerge the chicken in buttermilk and let it soak for half an hour, creating super juicy meat.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating Mixture

• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Coat Chicken in Crispy Layer

Remove chicken from buttermilk and generously coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture.

Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks like a dream.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer coated chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

Give a light spray of cooking oil to help achieve golden perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Goodness

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and ensure chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Whip Up Spicy Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Butter

Gently heat and stir until ingredients create a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Brush the hot honey glaze over the baked chicken or serve as a dipping sauce.

Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy masterpiece!

Chef Tips For Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs and press firmly into chicken to create an extra crunchy coating.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk to keep meat tender and juicy during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Adjust cayenne and hot sauce amounts to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery.
• Experiment with different hot sauces like sriracha or chipotle for unique flavor variations.

Twists And Toppings For Hot Honey Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Swap hot sauce with sriracha and add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup for a ketogenic-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk and use olive oil instead of butter in the glaze for a dairy-free preparation.

Serving Hot Honey Chicken In Style

• Spicy Sidekick Dips: Serve the hot honey chicken with zesty ranch, cool blue cheese, or tangy sriracha mayo for extra flavor punch.
• Crispy Chicken Companion Plates: Pair with creamy mac and cheese, crisp coleslaw, or garlic roasted sweet potato wedges to balance the spicy crunch.
• Party Platter Presentation: Slice chicken into strips, arrange on a wooden board with glaze drizzled on top, and add fresh herb sprinkles like chopped chives or parsley for a gorgeous appetizer spread.
• Weekend Game Day Winner: Cut into bite-sized pieces, stack on skewers with quick pickles, and serve as irresistible finger food during sports watching parties.

Storing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy baked hot honey chicken elevates weeknight dinners with spicy-sweet Southern charm. Zesty marinade and golden-brown coating promise a mouthwatering meal that satisfies intense cravings while keeping cleanup simple for busy home cooks.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Coating and Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1 cup buttermilk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Tenderize chicken to uniform thickness, then submerge in buttermilk for half an hour to enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. Create a crispy coating by combining panko breadcrumbs with flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
5. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between them for even cooking.
6. Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray to promote golden browning and additional crispiness.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating chicken midway through cooking to ensure uniform crunchiness and internal temperature reaches 165F.
8. Meanwhile, craft a spicy-sweet glaze by gently heating honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan until smoothly integrated.
9. Once chicken is golden and fully cooked, generously brush with the hot honey glaze or serve the sauce alongside for dipping.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use cold buttermilk for maximum marinade absorption and enhanced meat tenderness.
• Gently press breadcrumb mixture to create a thick, crispy coating that seals in moisture.
• Opt for light cooking spray instead of heavy oil to maintain crunchiness without greasiness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance for customized spice level.
• Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
• Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after baking to retain juiciness and prevent crumb separation.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg