Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet, Spicy, and Extra Crispy!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or buffalo sauce); 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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If you love crispy chicken with a little kick, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to be your new obsession. It’s got the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweet, all baked to golden perfection. No deep frying needed – just a simple, flavorful meal that hits the spot every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy without frying – A lighter take on crunchy chicken with all the texture you crave.
Sweet and spicy combo – The hot honey glaze is pure magic.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no fancy techniques required.
Great for meal prep – Stays crispy and delicious even after reheating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts or thighs
Panko breadcrumbs
Flour
Eggs
Paprika
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
Honey
Hot sauce
Butter
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Breading Station

Set up three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating gives the chicken that perfect crunch.

Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the panko, pressing to adhere. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them extra crispy while baking.

Bake Until Golden and Crunchy

Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in honey and hot sauce. Heat for a couple of minutes until smooth and combined.

Drizzle and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle or brush with the hot honey sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a wire rack – Keeps the chicken crispy all around while baking.
Double coat for extra crunch – Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice for an even crispier crust.
Adjust the spice – Add more cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce for extra heat.
Don’t skip the honey glaze – It ties all the flavors together perfectly!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free panko and flour.
Swap the protein – Try this with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower.
Use different hot sauces – Sriracha, buffalo sauce, or chili crisp all work great.
Air fryer option – Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This chicken is amazing on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Serve it over waffles for a fun twist or add it to a sandwich with coleslaw for an irresistible meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze before adding the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze when ready to serve.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to keep it crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep and bread the chicken ahead, then bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to keep it crispy?

Using a wire rack while baking and reheating in the oven helps maintain the crunch.

Is this very spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice to your liking.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Just increase the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

The Final Bite

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you love about crispy chicken but made easier and healthier. It’s crunchy, sweet, spicy, and absolutely delicious. Try it for dinner, meal prep, or even a fun weekend meal – you won’t be disappointed!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet, Spicy, and Extra Crispy!

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This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy – all without deep frying! The golden-baked, crunchy coating pairs beautifully with a hot honey glaze, making this an easy yet flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving it for dinner, or making a fun weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Setup
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease it.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack.
Bake Until Crispy
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Prepare Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in honey and hot sauce, heating for 2 minutes until smooth.
Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!