Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken: 7 Irresistible Bites

If there’s one thing that can turn a regular weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed celebration, it’s Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken. This dish is the perfect balance of sweet heat and that oh-so-satisfying crunch — without having to deep-fry a thing. Yep, your oven is about to work some serious magic!

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, spicing up your meal prep, or just craving something comforting yet exciting, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s crispy, it’s sticky, it’s finger-licking good — and best of all, it’s baked, not fried.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

There’s something downright joyful about biting into golden, crunchy chicken coated in a glossy layer of sweet-spicy honey sauce. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• Crispy without the mess: No splattering oil, no frying smell — just pure crunch from the oven.
• Sweet and spicy perfection: The hot honey glaze hits all the right notes — a little heat, a little sweet, a lot of flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, with roasted veggies, or in a sandwich. (I may or may not have had leftovers tucked in a biscuit for lunch the next day…)
• Family-friendly: You can adjust the heat level easily, so everyone at the table leaves happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy — just pantry staples and a few flavorful twists.

For the Chicken

• Chicken Breasts – The star of the show! Thighs also work if you prefer juicier bites.
• Salt & Black Pepper – The classic flavor duo.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray – Keeps that chicken from sticking (and adds a bit of shine).

For the Breading

• Flour – All-purpose works great. Almond flour is a solid gluten-free option.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds a whisper of sweetness to the crust.
• Eggs – Helps everything stick together. (Flax eggs work if you’re going vegan!)
• Hot Sauce – Adds kick to the egg wash.
• Cornflakes – Your secret weapon for ultimate crunch.
• Paprika – Brings color and warmth. Smoked paprika adds a deeper edge.
• Seasoning Mix – A blend of salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for that flavor punch.

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• Honey – The magic ingredient. (Maple syrup works too!)
• Additional Hot Sauce – For those who like it extra.
• Butter – Adds a touch of richness.
• Light Brown Sugar – Balances the heat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – A splash of tang to brighten it all up.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Mustard Powder – Layers of savory depth.

How to Make Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F — the sweet spot for golden, crispy chicken.

Crush your cornflakes into small crumbs using a food processor or the old-fashioned way (rolling pin therapy, anyone?).

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Grab three shallow bowls:

1. One with flour and brown sugar,
2. Another with whisked eggs and hot sauce,
3. And the last with your crushed cornflakes and spices.

This assembly line setup keeps things tidy and efficient — just like a pro kitchen.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pound your chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season each piece with salt and pepper, then coat in flour, dip in the egg wash, and finish with the cornflake mixture.

Press gently so every nook and cranny gets that crunchy coating.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and lightly mist them with nonstick spray.
Bake for 15–16 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy.

The smell? Absolute heaven.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While your chicken bakes, whisk together honey, butter, hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings in a small saucepan. Warm gently until it’s smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.

Pro tip: taste as you go — you can easily adjust the heat level here.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

When your chicken is perfectly crispy, drizzle that gorgeous hot honey sauce right over the top. Keep some on the side for dipping (because trust me, you’ll want it).

Cooking Tips for Success

• Crush, don’t powder: You want your cornflakes crumbly, not dusty — that’s where the crunch comes from.
• Keep one hand dry, one wet: When breading chicken, this keeps things from turning into a sticky situation.
• Adjust the heat: Add more or less hot sauce to suit your spice comfort zone. (Kids? Maybe dial it down a notch.)
• Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the chicken from sticking.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken, my family devoured it before I could even snap a photo. My husband called it “the perfect balance of cozy and bold,” and my kids dubbed it “chicken candy.” (I’ll take that as the highest compliment!)

Since then, it’s become our go-to when we want something special that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

FAQs About Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Bring the Heat (and Sweetness) to Your Table

There’s just something magical about this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken — it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is secretly simple to make. Every bite bursts with crunch, sweetness, and that satisfying touch of heat.

So grab your cornflakes, preheat that oven, and let’s make dinner a little more exciting tonight. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

More Recipes to Keep the Flavor Going

If this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken made your taste buds dance, you’ll definitely want to check out a few more favorites from my kitchen! Each one brings a little something special — from cozy comfort to bold, spicy fun.

• Keep that sweet-heat magic alive with these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese — crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• When you’re craving something warm and creamy, try my Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup — it’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
• For a quick, hearty dinner that’s big on flavor, whip up One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo — a creamy, spicy dish that’s ready in one pan (and makes cleanup a breeze!).
• And if you’re in the mood for something sweet after all that spice, these Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are a fun, festive treat that always brings smiles.

Go ahead and add a few of these to your must-try list — your kitchen is about to get even more delicious!

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