Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Addictive!

Introduction + First Part of the Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you probably have those days when you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and just a little bit sticky-sweet. Something that tastes like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant kitchen… but actually, it’s made right at home with simple ingredients. Well, friends, meet your new obsession: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

I first fell for hot honey a few years back when I drizzled it over a slice of pizza (life-changing, by the way), but it wasn’t until I tried it with crispy baked chicken that it fully stole my heart. This recipe hits every flavor note: juicy chicken, a super crunchy crust, and a glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and a little bit buttery. It’s the kind of dish that makes people fight over the last piece—and honestly, I wouldn’t blame them.

And here’s the best part: no deep frying! This chicken gets ultra crispy in the oven thanks to a few little tricks I’ll share along the way. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a fun date night, or a game day feast, it’s guaranteed to be a major hit.

Let’s get baking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)

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How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs!) in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the top, add the hot sauce, and give everything a good mix to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even better, up to overnight.
The buttermilk works wonders, tenderizing the chicken and helping the crunchy coating stick later on.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Give the rack a light spritz with cooking spray. (This helps the heat circulate all around the chicken, making it extra crispy without flipping!)

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
One at a time, take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly so every nook and cranny gets covered in that crunchy goodness.

Tip: Double coating is totally allowed here if you want it extra thick and crispy. Just dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then coat it again with the crumbs.

Continuing the Recipe + Helpful Tips

Now that your chicken is breaded and ready to go, it’s time to turn it into the crispiest, juiciest baked chicken you’ve ever had!

Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces on your prepared wire rack. Give each one a little extra mist of cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil—this is the secret to getting that deep golden crunch without any frying.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. You’ll know it’s done when the outside is beautifully crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Tip: If you want that extra golden color, you can pop the chicken under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes. Just watch it closely—it can go from “perfectly crispy” to “oops, too crispy” in a flash!

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is baking, let’s get that sweet-and-spicy glaze ready. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Let it warm just until everything is melted together and slightly runny. You don’t need to bring it to a boil—just a gentle heat to blend the flavors.

And oh man, the smell of warm honey and butter? It’s worth making this recipe just for that moment alone.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, drizzle it generously with the hot honey glaze. You can spoon it over or brush it on—either way, make sure every piece gets some of that sticky, spicy love.

Serve it hot, and get ready for compliments. Lots of compliments.

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Helpful Tips for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
If you have the time, let the chicken soak in the buttermilk overnight. It makes a huge difference in both flavor and tenderness.

2. Use a Wire Rack
Baking the chicken on a rack helps air circulate around the entire piece, so the bottom gets just as crispy as the top. No soggy bottoms here!

3. Adjust the Heat
Customize the hot honey glaze to your taste. Add more hot sauce and red pepper flakes if you love it spicy, or dial it back for a milder version. You’re the boss of your spice level!

4. Reheat Like a Pro
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), reheat them in a 400°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crunchy. Microwaving will make it soggy—trust me, the oven is worth the extra step.

5. Double the Glaze
If you’re like me and want to dip every bite, consider doubling the glaze recipe. A little extra never hurts, right?

FAQ Section + Conclusion

By now, your kitchen smells like sweet and spicy heaven, and that crunchy chicken is just begging to be devoured. Before you dig in, let’s cover a few common questions you might have about making the best-ever Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

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FAQ: Your Hot Honey Chicken Questions Answered

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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chicken Recipe

And there you have it: the sweet, spicy, crunchy chicken of your dreams! Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the kind of recipe that feels a little special but is still easy enough for a weeknight. It’s the perfect mix of flavor and texture, and honestly, it’s just so much fun to eat.

Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself (which, let’s be honest, you absolutely deserve), this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds.

If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear what you think! Drop a comment, share a photo, and tell me if you added your own twist. Maybe a little extra glaze? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top? However you make it, I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.

Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait for you to crunch into this one.

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