If you love crispy fried chicken but want a healthier, baked version with an incredible hot honey glaze, this recipe is for you! Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crispy coating and a sweet & spicy honey glaze that takes it to the next level.
This oven-baked version gives you that deep-fried crunch without the extra oil, making it a lighter but just as delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken tenders)
- 200 g (1 ½ cups) panko breadcrumbs
- 100 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 120 ml (½ cup) honey
- 1 ½ tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- In one bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help crisp up.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F).
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Coat & Serve
- Brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze over the baked crispy chicken.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken
✔ Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch—regular breadcrumbs won’t be as crispy.
✔ Don’t skip the buttermilk! It keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
✔ Spray the chicken with oil before baking to help the crust turn golden and crispy.
✔ For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the hot honey sauce.
✔ Pair with a side of ranch or coleslaw to balance the spice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
???? Crispy, oven-baked, and healthier than fried chicken
???? Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors
???? Easy to make with simple ingredients
???? Great for weeknight dinners or game-day snacks
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