Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Introduction

Few dishes hit that mouthwatering trifecta of crunch, heat, and sweet quite like Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken. This recipe pairs a golden, irresistibly crunchy coating with juicy, tender chicken – all kicked up a notch with a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze. If you’re seeking a crowd-pleaser that’s weeknight easy but dinner-party impressive, look no further.

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken wins tastebuds over with bold flavors, minimal clean-up, and a mess-free, healthier baked technique. The addictive blend of sweet heat ensures everyone will be coming back for seconds!

What Makes This Hot Honey Chicken Irresistible

The secret to great baked chicken is threefold: a shatteringly crisp crust, moist interior, and flavor-packed finish. This recipe leverages a seasoned breading and double-coating method, then bakes instead of fries, keeping it lighter and more approachable. The final shower of homemade hot honey takes the dish from savory to unforgettable, with a gentle burn followed by lingering sweetness.

Serve these on game day, at cookouts, or simply as a treat-yourself meal any day of the week.

Breading and Baking Techniques for Superior Crunch

For credibility-crunch in the oven, you need the right breading process and baking surface. Dredging chicken in flour, egg, and seasoned panko creates a thick, textured coating. Arranging the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even browning and easy release after cooking.

A quick spritz of oil before baking (an oil sprayer works perfectly) helps the crust get that golden hue without the greasy feel. Ensure even spacing on the pan so every piece crisps up perfectly.

How to Make Your Own Hot Honey Glaze

Homemade hot honey is simple and customizable. Simmer honey with your preferred hot sauce, plus a dash of vinegar for brightness. For smooth blending, a countertop blender can be used if you want to infuse chilies or extra spices into the honey for complex flavor.

Drizzle this over freshly baked chicken right out of the oven so it soaks into every craggy surface.

Perfect Sides for Hot Honey Chicken

Balance the sweet heat with crisp, cool sides. Try chopping a quick slaw or salad with the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper for efficiency and uniform cuts, and serve everything over a clean and easy-to-use plastic table cloth for hassle-free cleanup.

Pair with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or tucked into warm rolls with pickles—the possibilities are endless.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and amount of hot honey glaze. Baked, not fried, this chicken is lower in fat but just as indulgent.

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Recap)

A game-changing alternative to fried chicken, this recipe brings together crispiness and the irresistible sting of hot honey. It’s quick, crowd-friendly, and sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for extra tenderness).
3. Set up three bowls: one filled with flour plus half the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; one with whisked eggs; and one with panko mixed with the remaining paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece first in flour, then in egg, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko.
5. Arrange the chicken perpendicular on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with an even coating of oil from your oil sprayer or brush with olive oil for maximum crispiness.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F on a digital meat thermometer.
7. While chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat gently until warmed through, or blend with your blender if adding spices for an infused glaze.
8. When chicken is done, drizzle generously with hot honey glaze. Serve immediately with sides of your choice.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (excluding marinating time)