Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful, crispy, and spicy dish that combines the heat of hot sauce and the sweetness of honey with a crunchy coating. This healthier take on fried chicken is baked instead of deep-fried, making it a satisfying yet lighter option for dinner without compromising on flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and crunchy without the need for frying.
- Sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Simple ingredients that pack big flavor.
- Easy to make in the oven for a hassle-free dinner.
- Perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
For the hot honey sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
For the chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Dip each chicken breast or thigh first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For the hot honey sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer for about 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set aside.
To serve:
- Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top or toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it completely.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes of prep time plus 30 minutes of baking.
Variations
- Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the hot honey sauce for a spicier kick.
- Use bone-in chicken: Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for bone-in chicken pieces. Adjust cooking time by 5–10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
- Crispier coating: For even crunchier chicken, double dip the chicken in the egg and panko mixture.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Add garlic: For extra flavor, stir some minced garlic into the hot honey sauce or sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness. The hot honey sauce can be stored separately in a jar for up to 1 week.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken and refrigerate it before baking. Bake the chicken fresh and add the hot honey sauce right before serving.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use drumsticks, wings, or bone-in chicken thighs, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook.
Can I use a different sauce for the chicken?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, try using a BBQ sauce or a tangy mustard-based sauce.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Make sure to spray the chicken with oil before baking to help it crisp up. You can also place the chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation for an even crispier result.
Can I make this dish spicy without hot honey?
Yes, you can use regular hot sauce, chili paste, or sriracha to make a spicy coating, or add more cayenne pepper to the breading mix for extra heat.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy that will elevate any dinner. With its perfectly seasoned chicken and delicious hot honey glaze, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy the flavor-packed bite!
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines crispy, oven-baked chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This healthier twist on fried chicken delivers a crunchy, flavorful coating, balanced with the heat of hot sauce and the sweetness of honey.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
- For the hot honey sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil spray.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Dip chicken into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the panko mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For the hot honey sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Once the chicken is baked, drizzle or toss it in the hot honey sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze.
- For a crispier chicken, double dip in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor or sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
