Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changing dish that combines the best of both worlds: crispy, golden baked chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfectly seasoned chicken pieces are baked to crunchy perfection, then drizzled with a sticky, fiery honey sauce infused with chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick. This healthier twist on fried chicken is easy to make, oven-baked for less mess, and packed with bold, addictive flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (or olive oil for brushing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness.
2. Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Chicken:
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help it crisp up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
4. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Glaze and Serve:
- Once the chicken is baked, brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the pieces, or toss them in the glaze for even coating.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
