Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); 6 cups cornflakes, crushed; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling; 1/2 cup honey; 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This dish offers a satisfying crunch from a panko breading paired with a sweet yet spicy hot honey sauce that elevates every bite. It’s easy to prepare, crowd‑pleasing, and versatile enough to pair with everything from salads to roasted veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:
all‑purpose flour
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika (optional)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
eggs, beaten
panko breadcrumbs

For the Hot Honey Sauce:
honey
hot sauce (adjust heat to preference)
unsalted butter
red pepper flakes (optional)
apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish (optional):
fresh chopped parsley
sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs so the coating sticks.
Place the breaded chicken on the prepared sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes, stirring until melted and smooth. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if using.
Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with the hot honey sauce, or toss in the sauce for even coating.
Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if desired, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and cook time is about 30 minutes, for a total of roughly 50 minutes.

Variations

• Extra Crunchy: Add crushed cornflakes to the panko mix for an extra crispy coating.
• Milder Sauce: Reduce the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.
• Gluten‑Free: Use gluten‑free flour and gluten‑free breadcrumbs.
• Different Protein: Try with chicken tenders or pork cutlets instead of breasts or thighs.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to help maintain crispiness. Do not freeze after saucing, as the coating may soften; if freezing, store plain baked pieces and add sauce after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Ensure the chicken is fully dry before breading, and use panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spraying with oil before baking also helps.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely — reduce hot sauce or red pepper flakes for milder heat or increase them for more kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Store the baked chicken and sauce separately to keep the crust crisp until ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes — prepare the hot honey sauce ahead and reheat gently before drizzling over the chicken.

Can I bake instead of fry?

This recipe is designed for baking, but you can deep‑fry or air‑fry for an even crunchier result if preferred.

How do I prevent soggy breading?

Serve soon after baking and avoid covering with sauce until just before eating.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — substitute gluten‑free flour and gluten‑free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten‑free cereal.

What if I don’t have panko?

Regular breadcrumbs can be used, though panko gives the best crunch.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a flavorful, crowd‑pleasing meal that combines crispy breaded chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors.