Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s Friday night, the kids are begging for takeout, and you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what happened? What are you going to make? What’s the recipe for a good breakfast?Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken.Who swoops in to save the day? What’s like fried chicken, but without the guilt? What are the advantages of deep frying? Think of it as the healthier, tastier cousin of those greasy buckets – seriously, this will become a flim. What are some good spicy kicks in this peppermint sauce?

What is Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken?

Let’s break it down.Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken. Serves 6.Is essentially chicken pieces that are coated in a super flavorful breading and then baked to crispy crispy. When a chicken comes out of the oven, you give it sprinkling of olive oil. The magic happens. This dish offers a wonderful combination of savory, spicy, and sweet notes that really awakens your senses. Is it boring? Is this a simple, approachable dish that delivers ‘a massive flavor punch, so you can make it easily on the go? Can you impress your friends and family on a weeknight?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The flavor is the star here. You get that satisfying crispy crunch, followed by juicy, tender chicken, and then BAM! The sweet heat of the hot honey hits you, and it’s just… divine. What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, we’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Plus, it’s so versatile! What are some ways to serve it as a main course, put it on sandwiches, or even chop it up for salads?

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s surprisingly cost-effective! Chicken thighs are generally less expensive than breasts, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a restaurant-quality meal at home. Think about it: you can make a huge batch of this crispy baked hot honey chicken for less than the cost of ordering takeout for the family. And honestly, it tastes even better! It’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour this stuff! They love the little bit of spice, and I love that they’re actually eating something homemade.

If you like fried chicken, this recipe is a game changer. What is the best crunch and flavor without the extra fat and calories? If you love the sweet and spicy combo of Korean fried chicken, you’ll absolutely love this! What makes this even better is that you don’t need to get a ton of weird ingredients. Most of them you probably already have at home!

How do I make crispy baked honey chicken?

Quick Overview

Making this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Breasts.Is it easier than you think? First, you’ll prep the chicken and coat it in a flavorful breading mixture. How do you bake a bacon until golden brown and crispy? While the chicken is baking, you’ll whip up a simple honey glaze. What’s the best way to serve baked chicken with honey? How do I make sure the baking sheet is hot and not overcrowded? Is it easier to get a pot of oil ready for frying?

Ingredients

For the chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender during baking, but you can use chicken breasts if you like. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.

• 1 cup buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or a pinch of pepper. How do you add white vinegar to regular milk? What are some good ways to use buttermilk in chicken?

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Crispy Coating:
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are the key to achieving that extra crispy texture. They’re lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they get crispier in the oven.

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.

• 1/4 cup cornstarch. This helps create a crispy crust.

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Hot Honey:
I love using local honey for the flavor. I like using a quarter cup of honey.

• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, depending on your spice preference. I usually use a good quality Louisiana-style hot sauce, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. What is the best way to balance the sweetness and spice?

• 1 tablespoon butter. For extra richness.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). What is the best way to cook chicken at this high temperature? While the oven is heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I prevent a chicken from sticking to my thighs? Is it safe to grease parchment paper with cooking spray?

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl. In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well. I used buttermilk on chicken breast, but I didn’t like it so much. I’m using a spoon and I like to use it all the time. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. How do you tenderize chicken? If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, but I highly recommend it for the best results. What is the best way to sleep over night?

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and ground black pepper. Set aside. What are the ingredients for cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder? How do you cook chicken? Make sure everything is well combined so that each piece gets an even coating of flavor. What is the best cayenne pepper to use? What is cornstarch and why should I skip it?

Step 4: Dredge Chicken

How do you dredge chicken in breadcrumbs? How do I make sure the breadcrumbs stick to my hands? Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of crisping up.

Step 5: Bake

Is it safe to bake chicken for 20-25 minutes? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I like to flip the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even browning. While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey glaze.

Step 6: Make Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy. How long does it take for a tomato to thicken? Be careful not to boil the glaze, as it can become too thick and sticky.

Step 7: Drizzle & Serve

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey glaze over it. Make sure each piece is well coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of sides depending on the occasion.

For a Casual Dinner: Pair it with classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. These sides complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken perfectly. I also love serving it with a simple green salad to add a little freshness to the meal.

For a Game Day Gathering: Serve it as part of a chicken slider spread. Set out some slider buns, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings, and let everyone build their own sliders. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy the chicken. I also like to serve it with some crispy french fries and onion rings for a classic game day feast.

For a Potluck: Bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with some Potato Salad, macaroni salad, and a veggie tray for a complete meal.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this chicken is on top of a big bowl of mac and cheese! The creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is the perfect complement to the crispy, spicy chicken. It’s pure comfort food heaven! You could also chop the chicken and add it to tacos for a fun twist!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Want to take your Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:

Chicken Prep: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging it in the breadcrumb mixture. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere better and result in a crispier crust. I usually use paper towels to blot the chicken dry.

Breadcrumb Adhesion: For maximum breadcrumb adhesion, try double-dredging the chicken. Dip each piece in the flour, then the buttermilk, then the breadcrumbs, and then repeat the process. This will create an extra thick and crispy crust.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the hot honey glaze to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also use a milder hot sauce for less heat.

Baking Perfection: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This is crucial for getting the chicken crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets. You should also leave some space between each piece of chicken to allow for proper air circulation.

Honey Selection: I prefer a mild honey flavor for this recipe so it doesn’t overwhelm the spice!

Glaze Consistency: If the hot honey glaze is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to coat the chicken but still pourable.

Baking Rack: I also suggest using a baking rack on top of your baking sheet, as this will ensure your chicken is crispy on all sides!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place the cooked and cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once the chicken is frozen solid, transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.

Glaze Timing: I recommend adding a little fresh hot honey glaze after reheating for best flavor and texture! You can make it while it’s heating in the oven so you can pour it on right before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is more than just a recipe – it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a family favorite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of Crispy Chicken, sweet honey, and spicy hot sauce is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s healthier than traditional fried chicken without sacrificing any of the flavor.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other chicken recipes for more delicious inspiration! From lemon herb roasted chicken to BBQ chicken skewers, there’s something for everyone.

Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of the recipe. Enjoy!