Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. Tender chicken is coated in a crunchy, oven-baked breading and finished with a sticky drizzle of homemade hot honey. It’s a healthier twist on fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or whenever you’re craving something bold and satisfying.

ingredients

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

boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into strips or left whole)buttermilk (for marinating)eggsall-purpose flourpanko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakesgarlic powderonion powderpaprikasalt and peppercooking spray or olive oil spray

For the hot honey:
honeychili flakes or hot sauceapple cider vinegarbutter (optional for richness)

directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top and spray lightly with oil.

Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for extra tenderness.

Set up a breading station: flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko or cornflakes in a third.

Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs or cornflakes. Press gently to adhere.

Place coated chicken pieces on the wire rack and spray the tops generously with oil.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

While chicken bakes, make the hot honey: in a small saucepan, warm honey with chili flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar over low heat. Add a bit of butter if desired. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Drizzle hot honey over baked chicken or serve on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes (or overnight)Baking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes (with marinating)

Variations

Use chicken tenders or wings for bite-size servings.

Adjust the heat by using more or less chili flakes or switching to hot sauce.

Add grated parmesan to the breading for extra flavor.

Serve over waffles or with mashed potatoes for a Southern-inspired meal.

Make a sandwich with slaw and pickles for a spicy crispy chicken sandwich.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.Freeze uncooked breaded chicken on a tray, then transfer to a bag—bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cook time.

FAQs

Can I make this without buttermilk?

Yes, use a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too.

Is hot honey spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but you can control the spice level easily.

Can I air fry this?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I have to use a wire rack?

It helps crisp the bottom, but you can bake directly on parchment-lined sheet.

Can I make the hot honey ahead?

Yes, store in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I skip the hot honey?

You can, but it’s what gives the dish its signature flavor.

What’s the crunchiest coating?

Crushed cornflakes give maximum crunch; panko is a close second.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or GF cornflakes.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just make a mild honey version without chili flakes.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a crave-worthy meal—crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy with every bite. It’s oven-baked for a lighter take on fried chicken and drizzled with a flavor-packed hot honey that takes it over the top. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear—this one’s a keeper!