Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Let’s talk about Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken—because some nights, you just need crispy comfort with a spicy-sweet kick… and you need it fast. Whether you’re juggling after-school chaos, Zoom meetings that run too long, or just craving something next-level delicious, this chicken is your answer.

We’re talking golden, oven-baked crunch (hello, panko magic), kissed with a drizzle of hot honey that brings the heat and the sweet. No deep-frying, no drama—just bold flavor that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

If you’ve ever tried to impress a picky eater (or a husband who insists “nothing beats fried chicken”), this recipe is your new best friend. It’s crispy without the grease, spicy without the sweat, and easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday.

• Busy mom-approved: Ready in about 30 minutes and oven-baked, not fried.
• Crowd-pleaser: The sweet heat combo is chef’s kiss—even kids can get on board with a milder version.
• Minimal cleanup: One pan, three bowls, no oil splatter.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to put this on repeat.

Ingredients That Bring the Heat (and the Crunch)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but it adds a lovely depth)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (don’t skimp—this is where the crunch comes from!)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (mild or bold—your call)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for that zingy finish)

Garnish (Optional, but fun):

• Chopped parsley
• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (adds flair + texture)

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

1. Preheat That Oven

Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Less mess = happier you.

2. Prep Your Chicken Coating Stations

• Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Bowl 2: Beat those eggs like you mean it.
• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, waiting to get golden.

Pat the chicken dry (this helps the coating stick). Dredge in flour, dip in egg, roll in panko. Give it a gentle press to really lock in that crunchy armor.

3. Bake to Golden Perfection

Lay the chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly mist with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of olive oil—this is the secret to baked crispiness.

Pop it in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temp hits 165°F and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.

4. While It Bakes, Whip Up the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and everything is smooth and dreamy.
Want some tang? Stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

5. Glaze It Like You Mean It

When the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle that hot honey sauce all over. Or go big and toss the chicken to coat fully. It’s your dinner—make it saucy!

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. Serve it up with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even on top of a big, crunchy salad.

Aneta’s Kitchen Tip

If your panko isn’t browning enough, you can broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it. (No one likes a burnt bird.)

Also, this sauce? Double it and keep it in the fridge. Drizzle it on pizza, toast, or even your morning eggs. You’re welcome.

A Little Backstory from My Table to Yours

The first time I made Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, it was a “let’s see what happens” dinner moment. My kids had just discovered spicy-sweet wings at a restaurant, and I thought, I can totally do this at home—but healthier. Let’s just say, there were no leftovers… and I’ve been asked to make it every other week since.

It’s now my go-to for game days, weeknight dinners, and honestly? Anytime I want to feel like a kitchen superhero without breaking a sweat.

FAQs About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Dinner Just Got More Exciting

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight win, a crowd favorite, and your new flavor obsession. Crispy, sticky, sweet, spicy… what more could we ask for?

Next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut, let this one be your secret weapon. The crunch is real. The honey is hot. And your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

Hungry for more chicken magic? Come join me over at Chicken Magic Recipes where comfort meets flavor—and the oven does the hard work for you. 🍗✨

More Recipes to Spice Up Your Weeknights

If you loved this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you’re in for a treat. At Chicken Magic Recipes, we’ve got even more dishes that hit that sweet, savory, and spicy spot—all oven-friendly, flavor-packed, and perfect for busy weeknights. Here are a few must-tries to keep your taste buds dancing:

• Craving a tangy twist? You’ll love our Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs—juicy and deeply flavorful with a savory punch that pairs perfectly with rice or roasted veggies.
• If bold heat is your love language, try the ultra-satisfying Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole—creamy, spicy, and 100% comfort food.
• For a global kick with minimal cleanup, the One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken brings tropical flavors right to your table (no plane ticket required).
• And when you’re in the mood for tacos but still want that oven-baked crunch, don’t miss our Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos—crispy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced.

Explore these favorites and let your next dinner be as effortless as it is delicious.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in crunchy panko and drizzled with a sticky-sweet hot honey sauce—this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is packed with bold flavor and just the right amount of heat. A family favorite that’s easy, fast, and crowd-pleasing!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 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

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Set up breading stations:

   • In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

   • In another dish, beat the eggs.

   • In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the chicken:

   • Pat chicken dry.

   • Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip in the egg, and then press into the panko to coat.

4. Bake:

   • Place breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

   • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F and crust is golden.

5. Make the sauce:

   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes.

   • Stir until smooth. Add vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist, if desired.

6. Glaze and garnish:

   • Drizzle or toss baked chicken with hot honey sauce.

   • Top with sesame seeds, parsley, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness—just watch closely!
Sauce can be doubled and saved for future meals (it’s amazing on pizza, wraps, or roasted veggies!).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg