Sweet, Spicy, Oven-Crispy Goodness
Craving that crispy-fried chicken crunch but without the mess (and oil)? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the answer. It’s golden and crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a sticky, sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze that’s downright addictive.
I love this recipe because it’s oven-baked (not fried) but still gives you that amazing texture and flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights, but bold and fun enough for guests, game day, or anytime you’re in the mood for something with a little kick.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: How do you get the chicken so crispy in the oven?
The secret is using a buttermilk marinade, a cornflake (or panko) crust, and baking it at a high heat on a wire rack so air can circulate and crisp it up.
Q: What is hot honey?
It’s honey mixed with chili flakes or hot sauce, creating a sweet-heat combo that’s perfect for drizzling over crispy chicken.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free cornflakes or panko crumbs, and make sure your hot sauce and honey are gluten-free too.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
You can easily adjust the heat level in the honey drizzle or serve it on the side for dipping.
What You Need to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cut into strips or filets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for balance)
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Spray with oil.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Press each piece into the crumb mixture, coating well.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
- Place coated chicken on the rack. Spray tops with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm honey, hot sauce, pepper flakes, and vinegar until smooth and runny.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you’d like!
Tips for the Best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
✔ Marinate the chicken as long as possible for tenderness and flavor.
✔ Use a wire rack to keep the underside crispy while baking.
✔ Don’t skip the parmesan—it adds savory depth to the coating.
✔ Adjust the hot honey to your heat preference.
✔ Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, slaw, mac & cheese, or cornbread.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “Better than takeout! The coating was so crispy and the hot honey was incredible.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “My wife said this was the best chicken I’ve ever made. The sweet heat combo is perfect.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Crispy, juicy, flavorful—and baked! Loved how easy it was. A new favorite.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Used thighs and added extra hot sauce to the drizzle. Amazing flavor and texture.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Kid-approved and husband-approved. I’ll be making this again next week!”
Printable Recipe
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Crispy, juicy oven-baked chicken tossed in a hot honey glaze! This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is sweet, spicy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cut into strips or filets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for balance)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Spray with oil.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Press each piece into the crumb mixture, coating well.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
- Place coated chicken on the rack. Spray tops with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm honey, hot sauce, pepper flakes, and vinegar until smooth and runny.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you’d like!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brought some spicy-sweet joy to your dinner table, don’t keep it to yourself! Share the recipe on social media, pin it for later, or send it to your favorite home cook. Tag #funcraftykitchen so I can see your crispy creations!
