Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless skinless); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs (large); 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or panko); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp paprika; 0.5 cup honey; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 1 tbsp butter

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you love crispy chicken with a bold kick of heat and sweetness, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will quickly become your new favorite dinner recipe. Imagine golden, oven-baked chicken coated in a perfectly crunchy crust, then drizzled with a glossy hot honey glaze that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.

Unlike deep-fried versions, this recipe delivers the same irresistible crunch using your oven — making it lighter, easier, and less messy without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this crispy oven-baked hot honey chicken brings comfort food vibes with a modern twist.

Let’s dive into how to make the best baked hot honey chicken at home.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Hot Honey Chicken

There are so many reasons this recipe stands out:

Oven-baked, not fried – Less oil, less mess, but still incredibly crunchy.
Perfect sweet-heat balance – The hot honey glaze adds bold flavor.
Family-friendly – Easily adjust spice level.
Meal-prep approved – Reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Works with thighs, breasts, tenders, or drumsticks.

The combination of crispy coating and sticky glaze creates a texture contrast that makes this dish unforgettable.

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is exactly what it sounds like: honey infused with chili heat. It became widely popular in American kitchens thanks to brands like Mike’s Hot Honey, which introduced the sweet-and-spicy combination to pizza, fried chicken, and even roasted vegetables.

The concept itself isn’t new — many cuisines around the world combine sweet and spicy flavors — but hot honey brings a modern twist to classic comfort food. When drizzled over crispy chicken, it creates a glossy glaze that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this crunchy honey glazed chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hot Honey Glaze:

½ cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and ensures maximum crispiness.

3. Set Up Breading Stations

In one bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.

In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

In a third bowl, add crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.

4. Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Dip into the egg mixture.

Press firmly into the breadcrumbs to create a thick, even coating.

Place coated chicken on the wire rack.

5. Bake Until Crispy

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, butter, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and salt in a small saucepan.

Warm over low heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Do not boil.

7. Glaze the Chicken

Once baked, brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

The Secret to Extra Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken

If you want ultra-crispy baked chicken:

Use a wire rack to allow air circulation.
Spray lightly with oil before baking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Flip halfway for even browning.
Use crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.

These techniques mimic deep frying — without submerging the chicken in oil.

Adjusting the Spice Level

This spicy sweet baked chicken is easily customizable:

Mild: Use less hot sauce and skip red pepper flakes.
Medium: 1 tablespoon hot sauce + pinch of flakes.
Spicy: 2 tablespoons hot sauce + extra cayenne.
Extra Hot: Add chili oil to the glaze.

This makes it perfect for both kids and spice lovers.

Serving Suggestions

This baked hot honey chicken pairs beautifully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Coleslaw
Roasted sweet potatoes
Buttermilk biscuits
Simple green salad
Mac and cheese

For a sandwich version, place a piece inside a toasted brioche bun with pickles and slaw.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes
Air fryer for 5–6 minutes
Avoid microwave if possible (reduces crispiness)

Variations to Try

1. Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Use chicken tenders and reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

2. Gluten-Free Version

Replace flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

3. Extra Crispy Double Coating

Repeat egg + breadcrumb step for thicker crust.

4. Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Use bone-in wings and increase baking time to 40–45 minutes.

Why Baking Works So Well

Baking at high heat creates surface dehydration that promotes browning and crisp texture. When combined with a rack and light oil spray, the result is crispy oven fried chicken without deep frying.

The honey glaze caramelizes slightly on contact with the hot crust, creating sticky edges and enhanced flavor depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes. Slice thick breasts in half for even cooking.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Bake and store separately. Glaze right before serving.

Can I air fry this?

Absolutely. Cook at 380°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

This easy hot honey chicken recipe combines crunch, sweetness, and heat in one unforgettable dish. It’s everything you love about fried chicken — made simpler and lighter in the oven.

Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a bold weeknight dinner, this crunchy honey glazed chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Once you try it, you’ll never look at plain baked chicken the same way again.