Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: Chicken; 6 cups crushed cornflakes; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp each onion powder and garlic powder; 2 eggs + 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 lbs chicken tenders; Olive oil (for drizzling); Hot Honey Sauce; ½ cup honey; 2-3 tbsp hot sauce; 1-3 tsp cayenne pepper; ¾ tsp chipotle chili powder; ½ tsp each garlic powder and onion powder; Salt (to taste); Fresh herbs (for garnish)

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If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting the sweet, spicy, and savory combo that is hot honey on crispy chicken, then you’re in for a treat. This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes—crispy, tender, sweet, and just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend indulgence, or even as a dish to serve when you’re entertaining.

The crispy coating on this chicken is totally addictive, and once you add that spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. It’s surprisingly easy to make, but the flavor is next-level. And while the combination of hot honey and crunchy chicken is a classic, this baked version is a bit healthier than frying but still totally delivers on flavor and crunch. It’s everything you want in a dish: satisfying, packed with flavor, and just a little bit messy in the best way possible.

I first came across the hot honey chicken craze at a local restaurant, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I wanted to recreate that sticky-sweet, crispy goodness at home without the deep fryer, and I’m so glad I did. This recipe has since become a regular in my kitchen, especially when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy & Crunchy: The baked chicken gets perfectly crispy without needing any frying, thanks to a crispy coating that turns golden and delicious in the oven.
Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey drizzle is a game-changer—it’s a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that takes the chicken to a whole new level.
Healthier Option: No need for deep frying! Baking the chicken keeps it lighter while still delivering that crispy, satisfying crunch.
Minimal Prep Time: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without too much fuss.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can make this ahead of time, and it reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the hot honey makes this recipe appeal to kids, while the heat level can easily be adjusted to your family’s tastes.
Versatile: This dish can be served with anything from a side of roasted veggies to a simple green salad or even mashed potatoes for a full meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – Chicken breasts work great for this recipe, but thighs are an excellent option for extra juiciness. If you prefer to use thighs, just adjust the baking time slightly.
1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of the crispy coating. The flour helps create a crunchy exterior once baked. You can use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free version.
1 tsp paprika – This adds a mild smokiness to the coating. If you like heat, feel free to use smoked paprika or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
1 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder gives the coating a savory depth that balances out the sweetness of the honey later on.
1/2 tsp salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and the coating.
1/4 tsp black pepper – For just a little bit of bite.
2 large eggs – These are for dipping the chicken, helping the flour adhere and creating that golden, crispy crust.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – This is the secret to getting that super crunchy crust. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal, as they give the coating extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
2 tbsp olive oil – Drizzle this over the chicken before baking to ensure it gets golden and crispy in the oven.

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

1/2 cup honey – The sweetness that balances out the heat. You can use regular honey, or even a honey blend with chili for an extra kick.
2 tbsp hot sauce – This adds the heat to the honey. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want the sauce to be. I love using a classic hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – This adds a touch of tang to balance out the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the sauce.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – Optional, but this gives an extra punch of heat if you’re a fan of spicy foods.

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions):

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. You’ll want to make sure the chicken breasts (or thighs) are fully thawed if you’re using frozen meat. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them together until well combined. In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (panko works best for a super crunchy texture).

Now, dip each chicken breast (or thigh) into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick on all sides. This triple-dipping process is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken pieces onto your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. This will help the coating crisp up in the oven. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The coating should be golden and crispy, and the chicken inside should be juicy and tender.

If you want an even crispier crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to make the hot honey drizzle. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the honey has melted and everything is well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken up slightly. Once it’s done, remove the pan from