Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy—all in one glorious bite. Imagine tender, oven-baked chicken coated in a super crunchy crust, then drizzled (or drenched, we don’t judge) in sticky hot honey that’s just the right balance of heat and sweetness. And the best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a bit lighter but still outrageously satisfying. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something comforting but crave bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Without the Fryer: Thanks to a clever baking method, you get all the crunch without deep-frying.
• Hot Honey Magic: That spicy-sweet glaze takes the flavor to another level—tangy, bold, and addictive.
• Weeknight Hero: Quick prep and hands-off baking mean dinner is ready fast, with minimal cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s fun, flavorful, and everyone—kids and adults alike—goes wild for it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy hot honey masterpiece:

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces work best. Thighs bring more flavor and stay juicier.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds tanginess. You can also use Greek yogurt or milk with lemon juice as a sub.
• Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes are the secret to that irresistible crunch—don’t skip this!
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a second layer of crunch with a lighter texture.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper: Your go-to spice mix for seasoning the crust perfectly.
• Eggs: Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
• Flour: Gives the coating a base to stick.
• Hot honey: You can use store-bought, or mix honey with red pepper flakes and a dash of vinegar or hot sauce.
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Lightly misting the chicken helps achieve a golden, crispy finish in the oven.

Variations

• Make it Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the crust, or mix a bit of hot sauce directly into the buttermilk marinade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
• Sweet and Tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the hot honey for a bit more tang.
• Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: Cut the chicken into strips or chunks for a fun, dippable version—great for kids!

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken with buttermilk and a sprinkle of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Crush the cornflakes until they’re fine but still have texture. Mix with panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Set Up a Dredging Station

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the cornflake mixture. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into the crunchy coating.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray them lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Warm the hot honey slightly and drizzle generously over the chicken just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crush Cornflakes by Hand or in a Bag: This gives you more control over the texture—don’t pulverize them into dust!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space the chicken pieces apart on the baking sheet so they crisp up evenly.
• Let It Rest After Baking: Give the chicken a couple of minutes before drizzling the hot honey—it’ll soak up better without making the crust soggy.
• Customize Your Heat: Start with a mild hot honey and adjust up based on your spice tolerance.

How to Serve

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

Fresh and Cool:

Serve with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the heat and richness.

Southern Style:

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Light and Crunchy:

Try it in a sandwich or wrap with pickles and shredded lettuce, or serve atop a rice bowl with steamed veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coating may soften slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Freezing

Freeze baked chicken pieces on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes! You can use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk, or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just go easy on the hot honey, or serve it on the side for dipping so they can control the heat.

Can I use bone-in chicken?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the baking time significantly and monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What if I don’t have cornflakes?
Panko alone will still give you a crisp crust, though cornflakes really take it to another level. Crushed crackers or even tortilla chips could work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a quick, flavorful dinner—crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this dish delivers serious flavor without the fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

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