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