If you love crispy chicken with a little kick, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will be your new weeknight favorite. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and drizzled with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze — it’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture without the guilt of deep frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Crispy Chicken – Oven-baked, not fried.
- The Perfect Flavor Combo – Sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit for family dinners or game day.
- Easy to Make – Minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Chicken – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Set Up Breading Stations – In one bowl, place flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko and crushed cornflakes.
- Bread the Chicken – Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour, dip into eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press crumbs firmly so they stick.
- Bake Until Crispy – Place chicken on the baking sheet. Lightly spray with olive oil. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey – In a small saucepan over low heat, warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy – Drizzle hot honey generously over crispy chicken and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Use Cornflakes + Panko – This combo gives the ultimate crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Oil Spray – It helps the coating turn golden in the oven.
- Adjust the Heat – More hot sauce = spicier glaze.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with buttermilk mashed potatoes for comfort food heaven.
- Serve on buttery brioche buns for a spicy chicken sandwich.
- Add a crisp coleslaw to balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and a sweet-spicy glaze that will keep you coming back for more — all without frying. 🍯🔥