Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and crispy—all without the need for deep frying. This dish features juicy, oven-baked chicken coated in a seasoned, crunchy breading and finished with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or game day treat that brings flavor and texture to every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)buttermilkpanko breadcrumbsall-purpose flourgarlic powderonion powderpaprikachili powdersaltsblack peppereggsnonstick spray or oil cooking spray

**Hot Honey Sauce:**honeyhot sauceapple cider vinegarred pepper flakesbutter

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top.

In a bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor and tenderness).

In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix panko, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dip in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.

Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Lightly spray the tops with oil.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is baking, make the hot honey: in a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and butter. Stir until melted and well mixed.

Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken right before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes (or overnight)Baking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 70-90 minutes (with marination)

Variations

Use chicken tenders or wings for smaller portions.

Add cayenne pepper to the breading for extra heat.

Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet twist.

Swap out panko for crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness.Avoid microwaving as it may soften the coating.Hot honey can be stored separately and reheated gently before serving again.

FAQs

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is a spicy-sweet condiment made by infusing honey with chili flakes and other spices.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I air fry this recipe?

Absolutely—air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, just adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.

Can I skip the buttermilk?

You can substitute with yogurt or milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze in a single layer then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brings together bold heat, golden crunch, and sweet sticky glaze without the grease of frying. It’s a standout main dish that’s easy enough for a casual night in, yet impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this is one spicy-sweet combo that delivers every time.