This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken coated in a spicy, sweet, and sticky hot honey glaze. It’s a flavorful twist on classic baked chicken, delivering satisfying crunch without frying, plus a delicious kick of heat mellowed by the natural sweetness of honey. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 large eggs
For the hot honey glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite chili sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor and tenderness).
2. Prepare the coating
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Coat the chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dip each piece first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the panko-flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even coating.
Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the chicken
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Make the hot honey glaze
While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, stirring until well blended and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
6. Glaze and serve
Once the chicken is done, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. A side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy-sweet flavor perfectly.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy texture and bold flavor. The sweet heat of the glaze paired with tender, crunchy chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
