Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect fusion of crispy comfort food and sweet-spicy flair. This oven-baked twist on classic fried chicken gives you all the crunch without the mess or excess oil. Coated in a golden, seasoned crust and drizzled with sticky, fiery hot honey, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that balances bold heat with a subtle touch of sweetness.

What makes this dish so irresistible is the combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy on the inside with a beautifully crisp crust on the outside, and the hot honey glaze adds a lingering warmth that keeps you coming back for another bite. Best of all, it’s baked — making it lighter but still incredibly satisfying.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you might also enjoy these Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops or this elegant Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips or kept whole
  
• 1 cup buttermilk
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For the Breading:

• 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
  
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil (for baking)
  

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
  
• 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
  
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
• Pinch of salt
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
  
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  
• Total Time: 45 minutes
  
• Servings: 4
  

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
  
• Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Small saucepan (for the honey)
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Tongs or fork for coating chicken
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. This step adds flavor and ensures tender meat.

2. Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, mix crushed cornflakes (or panko) with flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This will create a crunchy, well-seasoned crust that holds up well during baking.

3. Bread the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, if using.

Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Press each piece firmly into the breading mixture, coating all sides thoroughly.

Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack or directly on the sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

4. Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). The crust should be crispy and firm to the touch.

5. Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently until the mixture is well blended and slightly runny. Don’t let it boil.

6. Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and drizzle generously with warm hot honey. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 430
  
• Protein: 32g
  
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  
• Fat: 18g
  
• Saturated Fat: 5g
  
• Sugar: 18g
  
• Sodium: 680mg
  
• Fiber: 1g
  

Pro Tips

• Crush cornflakes by hand or in a food processor to your desired texture. Don’t pulverize them completely — larger flakes equal more crunch.
  
• Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation around the chicken, which helps achieve an evenly crispy crust.
  
• Control the heat of the honey glaze by adjusting the type and amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
  
• Serve the hot honey on the side if you prefer to dip instead of glaze — this keeps the crust super crisp.
  

Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cornflakes or panko and a gluten-free flour blend.
  
• Use wings or drumsticks: This recipe also works great with bone-in chicken. Just increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
  
• Add herbs: Mix dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the breading for added depth.
  
• Air fryer version: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, for a quicker, even crispier result.
  

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture intact.
Freeze unglazed baked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F until hot.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It delivers that satisfying fried chicken crunch without the mess or oil, and the hot honey takes it to the next level with just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests with something bold and crave-worthy, this dish is a dependable go-to that never disappoints.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite store-bought brand, but homemade hot honey gives you control over the spice level and sweetness.

Is this very spicy?
The level of heat is adjustable. Use less hot sauce or skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer it milder.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can marinate and bread the chicken in advance. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours before baking.

What’s the best side dish to serve with this?
Try serving it with coleslaw, roasted potatoes, cornbread, or a crisp salad to balance out the richness.

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase the baking time to ensure the meat cooks through and reaches the proper internal temperature.

Want to elevate this dish even further? Pair it with this savory Mushroom Sauce for Steak for a rich, umami contrast.