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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers the perfect combination of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor, all without deep frying. The recipe features chicken coated in seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs that bake to golden perfection in the oven. What makes this dish special is the homemade hot honey sauce - a mouthwatering blend of honey, hot sauce, and butter that creates a glaze with the ideal balance of sweetness and heat. The contrasting textures of tender chicken and crunchy coating, combined with the sticky-sweet sauce, make this a crowd-pleasing dish that's easier and healthier than traditional fried chicken while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction.
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Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:45:38 GMT
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Discover the perfect balance of sweet heat and satisfying crunch with this Baked Hot Honey Chicken. This dish transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary through a simple breading technique and irresistible glazing sauce. By baking instead of frying, you'll enjoy all the crispy texture without the excess oil.

After experimenting with countless chicken recipes, I discovered that patting the chicken completely dry before breading and briefly toasting the panko beforehand creates that perfect golden crunch in the oven.

Essential Components

  • Chicken Selection: Choose uniform pieces for even cooking
  • Panko Quality: Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide superior crunch
  • Spice Balance: Layering seasonings in both flour and sauce builds depth
  • Honey Choice: Use pure, good-quality honey for the best flavor
  • Hot Sauce Selection: Choose one with flavor, not just heat
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Easy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Coating:
Create a breading station with three shallow dishes. Season flour generously with spices. Beat eggs thoroughly. Use panko straight from the package or pre-toast for extra crunch.
Master The Technique:
Pat chicken completely dry before starting. Dredge in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with panko.
Optimize The Baking:
Arrange chicken with space between pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil for golden results.
Create The Glaze:
Gently warm honey with butter and hot sauce, stirring until perfectly combined. The butter creates a silky texture that clings to the chicken.
Time The Finish:
Apply sauce at the right moment - too soon and the crust becomes soggy, too late and it doesn't adhere properly.

This dish has become a family favorite in my home, with everyone gathering around the table the moment they smell that sweet-spicy aroma filling the kitchen. The balance of flavors appeals to both spice-lovers and those who prefer milder dishes.

Perfect Pairings

Create a complete meal with thoughtful sides. Creamy coleslaw provides cooling contrast to the spicy chicken. Roasted sweet potatoes complement the honey flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe to suit any preference. Try chicken tenders for faster cooking and more coating per bite. Create a garlic parmesan version by adding grated cheese to the panko. Make it Nashville-hot style by increasing the hot sauce and adding cayenne to the flour.

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

Keep leftovers crispy by reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Store any extra hot honey sauce separately to drizzle on just before serving. For meal prep, consider keeping the sauce separate until ready to eat.

Through countless iterations of this recipe, I've found that success lies in the details - from properly drying the chicken to applying the glaze at just the right moment. This dish proves that baked chicken can be every bit as satisfying as fried, with the added benefit of being lighter and easier to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this spicier or milder?
Yes, adjust the heat by changing the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey sauce.
→ What's the best hot sauce to use?
Frank's RedHot, Sriracha, or Tabasco all work well. Choose your favorite based on your preferred flavor profile.
→ Can I use chicken tenders instead?
Yes, chicken tenders work great and cook faster—reduce baking time to about 20 minutes.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Crispy oven-baked chicken with a crunchy panko coating, drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce for the perfect balance of flavors.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 1 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
08 2 large eggs, beaten
09 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

→ For the Hot Honey Sauce

10 1/4 cup honey
11 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
12 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
14 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

→ For Garnish (optional)

15 Fresh chopped parsley
16 Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 02

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 03

Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 04

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. If you like a little tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce and stir to combine.

Step 05

When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. If you like extra sauce, you can toss the chicken in the sauce for more coverage.

Step 06

Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Three shallow dishes for breading
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour, panko breadcrumbs)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (butter)