There's nothing quite like the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy that Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brings to the table. Imagine biting into tender chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust, topped with a drizzle of sticky, spicy hot honey sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

I first discovered this recipe during a search for healthier alternatives to fried chicken. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a family favorite. This dish is as easy to make as it is addictive, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible recipe. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike.
First off, this recipe is healthier than traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor. The chicken is oven-baked to golden perfection, giving you all the crunch you love with none of the guilt.
The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s not too spicy, making it family-friendly while still satisfying those who crave a little kick.
You’ll also appreciate how simple and quick this recipe is to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have this on the table in under an hour.
Best of all, this chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes, or pair it with a crisp salad for a lighter meal.
Ready to dig in? Let’s talk about what you’ll need.
Ingredient Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Each component works together to create that perfect crispy coating and mouthwatering glaze.
Chicken: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and rich flavor. You can also use chicken breasts or tenders if you prefer a leaner option.
Coating: The crispy crust starts with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour, seasoned with a blend of spices. Panko gives the chicken that light, airy crunch, while the flour ensures everything sticks.
Egg Wash: A combination of eggs and milk helps the coating adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
Hot Honey Sauce: The star of the show is the homemade hot honey sauce, made with honey, butter, and hot sauce. Adjust the heat level by using your favorite hot sauce—mild, medium, or extra spicy.
Special Equipment: To achieve that crispy coating without frying, you’ll need a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, crisping it up evenly.
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a meal that’s as impressive as it is flavorful.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This setup ensures your chicken bakes evenly and gets extra crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the egg wash, and one with the panko breadcrumb mixture (seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the egg wash before pressing it into the panko mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken on the wire rack. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine honey, butter, and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them so they stay delicious.
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave to maintain that crunchy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork chops, or tofu for a unique twist.
Spices: Customize the panko mixture with cayenne, Italian seasoning, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Glaze: Try a maple chili glaze instead of hot honey for a sweeter spin.
Dietary Needs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Experimenting with variations ensures this recipe never gets boring. Make it your own and enjoy every bite!
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get cooking. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table!
PrintBaked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Easy to make, this delicious dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the baked chicken or serve it as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the hot sauce for your desired heat level.
- Serve with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
Leave a Reply