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The Ultimate Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, Sweet Perfection

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe (So Crispy!)
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Looking for a dinner that’s both crispy and saucy without the deep fryer? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is baked to golden perfection and finished with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze that packs just the right kick. It’s lighter than fried chicken but every bit as satisfying—perfect for weeknights or when you want comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh chopped parsley

  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (for added crunch)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  • Prepare Chicken:

    • Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

    • In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

    • In a second dish, beat eggs.

    • In a third dish, place panko breadcrumbs.

    • Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko, pressing gently to help crumbs stick.

  • Bake Chicken:

    • Arrange chicken on the baking sheet.

    • Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.

    • Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Make Hot Honey Sauce:

    • While chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat.

    • Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.

    • For a tangy kick, stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

  • Glaze Chicken:

    • When chicken is done, drizzle hot honey sauce over the top.

    • For extra flavor, toss chicken pieces directly in the sauce.

  • Garnish & Serve:

    • Sprinkle with parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.

    • Serve warm with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Crunch factor: Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.

  • Make it milder: Use less hot sauce or skip the red pepper flakes for a sweeter glaze.

  • Meal prep friendly: Store cooked chicken and sauce separately; drizzle sauce just before reheating to keep the crust crispy.

  • Variation: Try using chicken tenders for a fun appetizer version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-baked-crunchy-hot-honey-chicken-recipe-crispy-spicy-sweet-perfection/

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