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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, sticky, spicy, and sweet. Golden baked chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned, ultra-crunchy crust and finished with a mouthwatering hot honey glaze. It’s healthier than fried, simple to make, and completely irresistible.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Oven thermometer (optional)
  • Basting brush (for glaze)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Coating:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt diluted with water)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Cooking spray or oil for drizzling

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Optional: splash of hot sauce or dash of cayenne

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the ChickenIn a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
  • Prepare the CoatingIn a shallow bowl, combine panko, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well.
  • Coat the ChickenRemove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere well. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let rest 10–15 minutes to set.
  • BakePreheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray or drizzle coated chicken with oil. Bake for:
    20–25 mins for tenders
    25–30 mins for breasts
    30–35 mins for thighsChicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown.
  • Make the Hot Honey GlazeIn a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat honey until warm and runny. Stir in chili flakes and optional hot sauce or cayenne.
  • Glaze & ServeBrush or drizzle hot honey generously over the hot chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the resting step after coating—this helps the breading stay put.
  • Want extra crispy? Use crushed cornflakes instead of panko.
  • No buttermilk? Use milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or plain yogurt with water.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF cereal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer.
  • Hot honey tip: Adjust spice to your heat preference—start mild and build up!
Keyword baked hot honey chicken, crunchy oven chicken, healthy fried chicken alternative, hot honey glaze, spicy baked chicken