Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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If you love the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden crust, then drizzled with a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey sauce—every bite is absolutely irresistible. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this version is baked to crispy perfection, making it a healthier yet equally delicious alternative.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Crispy Coating:

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes (for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or sriracha)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor and tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (this helps with even baking and crispiness).
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Set up a dredging station:
    • Bowl 1: Flour
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
    • Bowl 3: Breadcrumb mixture
  4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
  5. Coat each piece in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  6. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

  1. Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil spray (this helps with crispiness).
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

  1. Drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken while it’s still warm.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or extra red pepper flakes for added heat.
  3. Serve immediately with dipping sauces or alongside coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Tips for Extra Crunch

  • Use a wire rack: This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures even crispiness.
  • Double breading: For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
  • Cornflakes: The secret ingredient that makes this coating super crispy!

Variations

  • Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko.
  • Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne and sriracha to the hot honey sauce.

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer! Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, it’s a must-try for any chicken lover. Whether for dinner, meal prep, or a game-day snack, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it and let me know how you like it! 🍯🔥🍗