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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Emily

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Juicy chicken baked until golden and crispy, then glazed with a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce. A perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness for an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
  • fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • parchment paper or silicone mat
  • mixing bowls (for dredging)
  • Tongs
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  2. Pat chicken dry. In separate shallow bowls, prepare: flour mixture with spices, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko. Press to stick.
  3. Place coated chicken on baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and internal temp is 165°F/74°C.
  4. Meanwhile, make hot honey sauce: In saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Add vinegar or lemon juice if using.
  5. Drizzle or toss chicken with hot honey sauce once baked.
  6. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or peanuts. Serve hot with sides.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For even more crunch, use an air fryer instead of baking. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad.