Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of crispy chicken with a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat, then Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a recipe you absolutely need to try. This dish combines all the best elements of fried chicken—crunchy texture, savory flavors—with the irresistible kick of hot honey that’s both sweet and spicy. The best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any of the flavor or crunch.
In this blog post, we will take you through every step of making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, from choosing the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking process. Plus, we’ll share variations, tips, and serving suggestions to make this dish your go-to weeknight dinner or a showstopper for special occasions.
What Makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken So Special?
There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, spicy glaze. The crispy coating on the chicken gives each bite an irresistible crunch, while the hot honey drizzle adds an explosion of flavor. The balance between heat from the chili flakes and sweetness from the honey creates a tantalizing contrast that will have your taste buds dancing.
Unlike fried chicken, this baked version provides the same crunch and flavor, but with less oil and fewer calories, making it a more health-conscious option. It’s also a great dish to serve to a crowd since it’s easy to prepare, bake in large batches, and still maintains its crispiness even after cooling slightly.
Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need. The ingredients are simple but work together to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- Cooking spray (or olive oil spray, for a crispy finish)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey (use a good-quality honey for best results)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (adds tang and balance to the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for a silky finish)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can make this delicious dish at home. Don’t worry—while there are multiple steps involved, they are easy to follow, and the result is definitely worth the effort!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want to use a rack in your baking sheet to help air circulate around the chicken, ensuring it bakes up nice and crispy.
Next, pat the chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This is crucial to getting a crispy texture, as excess moisture can make the breading soggy. Once dry, set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
To bread the chicken, first dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the chicken, giving it that crispy texture. Spray the chicken with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil spray to encourage browning and crisping.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (depending on the size of your chicken pieces), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy. For an extra-crispy finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Brush each piece generously with the hot honey sauce. You can drizzle it over the top or use a brush to apply it evenly.
For a burst of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: The skin helps keep the chicken juicy while allowing the breading to get extra crispy. If you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the result might not be as crispy, but the flavor will still be great.
- Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create the ultimate crunch, so don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs. The larger crumbs give that desired texture.
- Make It Spicier (or Milder): Adjust the amount of sriracha, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level. If you want a milder version, reduce the heat ingredients or skip them altogether.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, ensuring tender chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Variations of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
While this recipe is already amazing, there are several ways you can change it up to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
If you prefer garlic-forward flavors, add minced garlic to the hot honey sauce. Sauté the garlic in the butter before adding the rest of the ingredients for a savory kick.
2. Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb option, swap the flour and panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This will provide a keto-friendly alternative without sacrificing crunch.
3. Vegan Version
To make a plant-based version, use crispy tofu or seitan in place of chicken. Coat the tofu or seitan in the same breading, and bake until crispy. Drizzle with the hot honey sauce for a mouthwatering vegan option.
4. Lemon Pepper Hot Honey Chicken
For a citrusy twist, mix lemon zest into the breadcrumb coating and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the hot honey sauce. The zesty kick pairs beautifully with the heat.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy, salty nature of fries pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw balances the heat of the chicken and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa soaks up the hot honey sauce and makes for a filling meal.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a showstopper in every way. It’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor from the sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a party, or making it for a special occasion, this recipe will undoubtedly impress. And with a few easy modifications, you can tailor it to suit any taste or dietary preference.
So, if you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting and exciting, give Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken a try. Once you do, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy the crunch, the heat, and the sweetness—it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
We hope you enjoy making this delicious dish at home. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment below or share your photos with us on social media. Happy cooking!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce or preferred hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For Garnish Optional:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In another dish, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place the breaded chicken on the wire rack and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
- While the chicken bakes, heat honey, sriracha, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until smooth and combined, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
- Brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy baked chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for crispiness.
- Make It Spicier: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.