Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and saucy! Oven-baked to golden perfection, each piece is coated in a flavorful crust and then drizzled (or dunked!) in a homemade hot honey glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and with just the right amount of kick. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough to serve for guests or game day eats.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into strips or nuggets)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crunch and flavor)
Cooking spray or olive oil mist

For the Hot Honey Sauce

⅓ cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

🔄 Substitutions

Buttermilk: Use milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a quick alternative
Chicken: Try with chicken tenders, drumsticks, or wings
Breadcrumbs: Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers, pretzels, or plain panko
Honey: Maple syrup can be used, though it changes the flavor slightly
Hot sauce: Use sriracha, Frank’s, or your favorite brand

👨‍🍳 How to Make

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack
In a shallow bowl, mix crushed cornflakes and Parmesan
Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, and coat in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere
Place coated chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with oil
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy
While chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warm and slightly thickened
Drizzle hot honey over baked chicken or serve it on the side as a dip

🌶️ Mix-ins

Add chopped herbs (parsley, thyme) to the coating for freshness
Incorporate lemon zest or chili powder into the cornflake mixture
Stir a bit of Dijon mustard or minced garlic into the hot honey sauce for depth

✅ Recipe Tips

Crush cornflakes finely for best adhesion, but leave some texture for crunch
Use a wire rack on the baking tray to keep chicken extra crispy on all sides
Let chicken rest for a couple minutes before adding the hot honey—it helps keep the coating crisp
If you love extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or use a hotter sauce

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze fully baked (cooled) chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
Reheat: Warm at 375°F in oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy

🌀 Recipe Variations

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Add to a toasted brioche bun with slaw and pickles
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Cut chicken into strips and serve with ranch or blue cheese
Hot Honey Chicken Tacos: Chop and serve in tortillas with cabbage and avocado
Hot Honey Chicken Salad: Slice and top over greens with extra drizzle of sauce

❓ FAQs

Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with oil for extra crispiness

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead?
Absolutely—store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week and warm before using

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce the hot sauce in the honey drizzle or keep it on the side for dipping

Crispy, juicy, and drizzled with sweet heat—this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you crave in a comfort meal. It’s oven-baked but delivers that irresistible fried crunch with a spicy-sweet twist that keeps you coming back for more. Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a Pinterest-ready pin! 🍗🍯🔥