Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
🍗 Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
🔥 Why You’ll Love It
- Extra crispy thanks to panko breadcrumbs
- Baked—not fried—so it’s lighter but still flavorful
- The hot honey glaze delivers the perfect sweet-spicy balance
- Kid-friendly (just adjust heat level!)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional for tang)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
2. Bread the Chicken
- Dry the chicken with paper towels.
- In 3 shallow bowls:
- Mix flour + spices in the first
- Beat eggs in the second
- Add panko in the third
- Coat each piece: flour → egg → panko. Press gently so crumbs stick.
3. Bake
- Place on baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil for crisping.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a saucepan: combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and optional pepper flakes.
- Warm over medium heat until melted and smooth. Add vinegar/lemon if using.
5. Glaze the Chicken
- When done, drizzle or brush hot honey sauce over chicken.
- Want it saucier? Toss the chicken in a bowl with the glaze.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with parsley, sesame seeds, or peanuts if desired. Serve with:
- Roasted veggies
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green salad
🔄 Variations & Tips
| Make It Your Way | Swap or Add |
|---|---|
| Extra spicy? | Add cayenne to flour mix or more hot sauce |
| Gluten-free? | Use GF flour & breadcrumbs |
| Dairy-free? | Use vegan butter or olive oil in the sauce |
| Kid-friendly? | Reduce hot sauce & omit red pepper flakes |
| Crunch boost? | Add crushed cornflakes to panko mix |