Baked crunchy hot honey chicken is a crave-worthy dinner that brings together bold flavor, crisp texture, and easy oven baking. This recipe delivers everything people love about crispy chicken without frying, making it a smart choice for home cooks who want comfort food with less mess. With a golden breaded coating and a sticky hot honey sauce, baked crunchy hot honey chicken fits perfectly into modern weeknight cooking while still feeling special.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Baked crunchy hot honey chicken has quickly become one of the most popular chicken dinners for good reason. The combination of crispy breaded chicken and sweet heat creates a flavor profile that feels exciting but familiar. Unlike fried versions, baked hot honey chicken cooks evenly in the oven and keeps the chicken tender while achieving a satisfying crunch. This baked crunchy hot honey chicken recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers restaurant-style results right at home.
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Description
Crispy baked hot honey chicken with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and sweet-spicy glaze.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Cooking spray
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp hot sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Slice chicken into cutlets.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
4. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Heat honey, hot sauce, butter, and vinegar until smooth.
6. Drizzle sauce over chicken and serve.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch.
Add sauce just before serving.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 large | Main protein |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | Coating base |
| Eggs | 2 | Binding |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1½ cups | Crunchy texture |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Seasoning |
| Salt | ¾ tsp | Balance |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Mild heat |
| Olive oil spray | As needed | Crisp baking |
Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Honey | ⅓ cup |
| Hot sauce | 2–3 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
- Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chicken breasts into even cutlets so they bake consistently. - Set Up the Breading Station
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and combine breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl. Dip each chicken piece into flour, then eggs, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. - Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the breaded chicken on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. - Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken bakes, warm honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. - Finish and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked crunchy chicken just before serving. For extra crunch, brush lightly instead of soaking.
Helpful Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before adding sauce
- Adjust hot sauce to control spice level
Conclusion
Baked crunchy hot honey chicken proves that bold flavor and crisp texture don’t require frying. This recipe brings together juicy baked chicken, a crunchy coating, and a sweet-spicy glaze that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
FAQ
What is baked crunchy hot honey chicken?
It is oven-baked breaded chicken finished with a sweet and spicy honey-based sauce.
Can I make baked hot honey chicken ahead of time?
Yes, bake the chicken ahead and add the sauce just before serving.
Is baked crispy hot honey chicken spicy?
It has mild heat that can be adjusted by changing the hot sauce amount.
What sides go with chicken hot honey recipes?
Roasted vegetables, coleslaw, rice, or potatoes pair well.