If you’re craving big flavor without the grease of deep frying, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine irresistibly crispy chicken that’s oven-baked to golden perfection, then generously drizzled with a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze that wakes up every taste bud. This Delicious Recipe is simple, healthier, and begs to be shared—whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Delicious Recipe is how it relies on everyday ingredients that come together for something magical. Each one does its part—adding crunch, savoriness, and just the right amount of heat. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs) make the perfect base for juicy, flavor-packed bites.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a foundation for the chicken’s coating, ensuring the breading sticks beautifully.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out every flavor note, don’t skip these classics!
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These aromatics add depth and a savory backbone to the breading.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Provides a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous rosy hue—it’s optional, but so good.
- Eggs: The glue that helps the crunchy coating adhere with every bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For extra crunch! Panko stays crispier and lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
- Honey: The heart and soul of the hot honey sauce, bringing natural sweetness to balance the heat.
- Hot sauce: Adjust to your max heat preference; it adds irresistible kick and tanginess.
- Unsalted butter: Rounds out the sauce by making it ultra-silky and luscious.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Want it fiery? These are for you—customize the heat!
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional): For that fresh, zippy tang in the final sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness as a finishing garnish.
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts: Sprinkled on top for added crunch and a fun twist.
How to Make Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for getting that irresistibly crispy crust without frying. Line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to guarantee easy cleanup later—you’ll thank yourself!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Patting the chicken dry is a pro move for this Delicious Recipe; it helps the coating stick. Set up your breading station: a dish with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with those magical panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the egg, then panko—pressing those crumbs on so every bite gets extra crunch.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Lay your breaded chicken pieces on the lined sheet. A light mist of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil will help mimic that deep-fried crispiness. Slide into the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (aim for 165°F/74°C inside). Your kitchen will smell out of this world!
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While your chicken bakes, stir together the honey, hot sauce, butter, and (if you need an extra kick) red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Let everything melt together until silky-smooth. For a little tang, splash in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This sauce takes the Delicious Recipe to legendary status—trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Fresh from the oven, drizzle that warm hot honey sauce all over your crispy chicken. Like it extra saucy? Gently toss the pieces in a bowl to coat every nook and cranny. Watch as the glaze clings, glistens, and promises the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and (if you want to level up the crunch) sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. This last touch makes the dish pop on the plate and adds even more texture to every bite.
How to Serve Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your moment for a little creative flair! Fresh parsley adds color and brightness, while crunchy sesame seeds or peanuts give an irresistible nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the hot honey drizzle. A few lemon wedges on the side are a zesty bonus.
Side Dishes
This chicken truly shines next to an array of sides. Roasted veggies bring color and sweetness, creamy mashed potatoes make every bite total comfort, and a crisp garden salad balances out the plate with freshness. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up any lingering hot honey sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it over waffles for a spicy twist on chicken and waffles. Or, chop it onto a salad, tuck it into a sandwich, or even serve as sliders at your next party. However you plate it, this Delicious Recipe brings the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavor continues to develop overnight, and you’ll have a Delicious Recipe ready for lunch the next day.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze the baked (unglazed) chicken pieces on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The hot honey sauce can be made fresh when you’re reheating for that perfect just-cooked vibe.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the coating re-crisps beautifully. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle it on just before serving to bring this Delicious Recipe back to life.
FAQs
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat is easily adjusted! Add more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference. The honey keeps things balanced and not overpowering.
Can I use chicken tenders or wings instead?
Absolutely—this Delicious Recipe works great with tenders, wings, or even bone-in pieces. Just adjust the baking time as needed for smaller or larger cuts.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko. You won’t sacrifice any crunch or flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the coating crispy?
Bake the chicken on a wire rack set over your baking sheet if you have one to allow heat to circulate all around. Also, avoid covering leftovers until completely cool to prevent steam from making them soggy.
Can I double the sauce?
For serious sauce fans, doubling the hot honey sauce is a fantastic idea! Drizzle generously over the chicken or keep extra on the side for dipping. This Delicious Recipe can handle all the sauce you crave!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s pure magic with every bite, you have to give this Delicious Recipe a try. It’s as easy as it is irresistible, ready to make any mealtime feel extra special. Serve it up once, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request!
PrintDelicious Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, crunchy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. It’s easy to prepare, healthier than deep-fried versions, and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)
For Garnish (optional):
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: 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.
- Bake the Chicken: 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.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: 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.
- Glaze the Chicken: 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.
- Garnish and Serve: 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.
