There's nothing like biting into a piece of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. The crackle of the crispy coating, the sweet heat of the hot honey glaze—it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This recipe brings the crunch and spice of fried chicken, but without the mess or guilt of deep frying.
I discovered this recipe while experimenting with ways to lighten up my favorite comfort foods. Now, it’s a family favorite that we enjoy as a weeknight treat or when hosting casual get-togethers. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your table.
Why You'll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Get ready to meet your new favorite chicken recipe! This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines everything you love about crispy fried chicken and sweet, sticky wings—all while being oven-baked for a healthier twist.
First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. With a few pantry staples and a couple of easy steps, you can whip up a meal that looks and tastes gourmet. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Second, this recipe packs a flavor punch. The crispy coating made from panko breadcrumbs and seasonings ensures every bite is deliciously crunchy, while the hot honey glaze adds a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy.
It’s also versatile! Serve it as an appetizer, pair it with your favorite sides for dinner, or even use the chicken to top a salad. Whatever you choose, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Finally, it’s a healthier option. By baking instead of frying, you get all the crunch without the excess oil. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy the indulgence of fried chicken.
Ingredients Notes

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken shines because of its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible.
Chicken thighs or drumsticks are the star of the show. Their natural juiciness ensures the meat stays tender while the coating crisps up beautifully in the oven. Feel free to use chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Panko breadcrumbs form the crunchy coating. These breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than traditional ones, giving you that signature crispy texture. Toasting them before baking adds an extra layer of golden flavor.
Hot honey is the magical finishing touch. This sweet-and-spicy condiment ties the whole dish together, offering a blend of sticky sweetness and a fiery kick. If you can’t find store-bought hot honey, you can easily make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Buttermilk works wonders for marinating the chicken. It tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
A few key seasonings, like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, round out the flavor. These spices enhance the breadcrumbs and ensure the chicken is anything but bland.
For equipment, you’ll need a baking sheet, a wire rack for optimal crisping, and a small saucepan for the glaze.
How to Make This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Making this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for crispy, golden perfection every time.
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
While the chicken marinates, prepare the breadcrumb coating. Spread the panko breadcrumbs onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step ensures maximum crunch.
Once the breadcrumbs are ready, transfer them to a shallow bowl and mix in your spices: paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and press each piece firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat it evenly.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows the air to circulate, crisping the chicken on all sides. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat and stir in your preferred level of spice—chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne all work well. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two to meld the flavors.
Once the chicken is done, brush each piece generously with the hot honey glaze, reserving some for serving. The glaze will seep into the crunchy coating, creating a sticky, spicy-sweet masterpiece.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken are just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
To store, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken pieces in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat refrigerated chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore its crispy coating. For frozen chicken, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper and use plain honey instead of hot honey. It’ll still be deliciously sweet with a hint of spice.
If you’re gluten-free, swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. The crunch will be just as satisfying.
Looking for extra heat? Double the chili flakes in the glaze or drizzle on your favorite hot sauce for an added kick.
For a different flavor profile, try swapping the hot honey glaze for a garlic-parmesan topping or a tangy barbecue sauce. These options pair beautifully with the crispy coating.
Want to make it dairy-free? Use a non-dairy milk alternative (like almond milk) with a splash of lemon juice for the marinade, and substitute vegan butter in the glaze.
Experiment and have fun—you can’t go wrong with this versatile dish!
PrintBaked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy baked chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze for a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs (mix panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper).
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a saucepan, mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Heat over low until combined and slightly thickened.
- Drizzle hot honey glaze over the baked chicken or toss chicken in the glaze before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
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