Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Sweet, Spicy, Crunchy Chicken. Yes, Please!
Okay, so ever had one of those days where you just need chicken that’s crunchy and has a lil’ kick? Like you want it to *scream* at you “I’m a party in your mouth!” This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is *that* chicken. Seriously, it’s a game changer.

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
So, let’s chat about what you need for this glorious dish, shall we?
– Chicken breasts or thighs (I go for thighs ’cause they’re juicier, but do you, boo)
– Flour (just regular all-purpose, nothing fancy)
– Salt, pepper (gotta season it right, right?)
– Garlic powder & onion powder (I’m obsessed with these, like they’re the best duo since cookies and milk)
– Smoked paprika (optional, but like, do you really wanna skip this?)
– Eggs (gotta bind that crunch)
– Panko breadcrumbs (the crunchy ones, trust me)
– Honey (sweetness overload!)
– Hot sauce (I mean, you control the heat here—more spice, more fun!)
– Butter (because butter makes everything better)
– Red pepper flakes (again, optional, but why wouldn’t you?)
– Vinegar or lemon juice (adds a zing, just saying)
– Parsley and sesame seeds if you wanna make it look cute on the plate.
So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
Let me tell you, the first time I made this was like a wild kitchen adventure. I was having a friend over, and of course, I wanted to impress. I had chicken thawing in the fridge and was trying to figure out what to do with it.
So I remember scrolling through my phone, and bam! I stumbled across this recipe. It was a total mess of spices and crunch and sweet drizzle—like my heart skipped a beat! I tried it, and my friend was like, “Who are you and what have you done with the old you?” 😂 It was THAT good.
Now, every time I whip this up, it feels like I’m throwing a little party in my kitchen. The crunch, the sweet heat, it’s just, ugh… *perfection*!

The One Trick That Changes Everything
Okay, here’s the secret—get that panko breading right! You gotta *really* press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. Like, don’t be shy. Press it down so it’s got that extra crunchy vibe.
And when you spray or drizzle olive oil on it before it goes in the oven? Total game changer—makes it golden brown and super crispy.
Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
1. Chicken Dry: Make sure you pat the chicken dry. If it’s wet, the breadcrumbs won’t stick!
2. Panko is Your Bestie: Seriously, don’t skimp on the panko.
3. Watch the Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, but start checking it at 25! (Don’t be that person who serves raw chicken!)
4. Sauce it Up: Drizzle that hot honey sauce like it’s nobody’s business. Or dunk the chicken in it for maximum flavor.
How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
If you somehow have leftovers (who are we kidding?), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last a couple of days, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone before you know it. Reheat them in the oven to keep that crunch alive because microwaving is a tragedy for crispy things!
If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
So if you’re digging this vibe, you’ll probably wanna check out my:
– Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Wings (so zesty!)
– Crispy Coconut Shrimp (like a tropical getaway)
– Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs (seriously, so addictive)
Alright, friend, are you ready to try this out or what? What’s your go-to chicken dish? Can’t wait to hear about your kitchen adventures!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect fusion of crispy chicken and a delightful sweet-spicy sauce. This healthier baked version delivers all the crunch you crave without frying, making it an excellent option for a family dinner. With a simple preparation process and mouthwatering flavors, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken dry and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Beat eggs in another shallow dish.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange breaded chicken on the baking sheet; lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
- Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if desired.
- Once chicken is done, drizzle with hot honey sauce or toss for full coverage.
- Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 160mg