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Hot Honey Chicken Serving Suggestions

Delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Quick & Easy Recipe

Need a flavor kick? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers crispy chicken drenched in sweet heat—perfect for spicing up weeknight dinners!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls – For marinating the chicken and coating the breadcrumbs.
  • Shallow Dish – For the crunchy coating mixture.
  • Baking Sheet – To hold the chicken while baking.
  • Wire Rack – To ensure even baking and crispiness.
  • Small Saucepan – For making the hot honey sauce.
  • Tongs  – For handling the chicken.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
  • Basting Brush (Optional) – For glazing the chicken with hot honey.

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot

For the Crunchy Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup cornflakes crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra crunch

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon butter optional, for richness

For Garnish & Serving:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

  • In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
  • Coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure even coating.
  • Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  • Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray (to help it crisp up).
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter over low heat until combined.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

  • Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy baked chicken.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
  • Calories: ~500 kcal
  • Protein: ~40g
  • Carbohydrates: ~55g
    • Fiber: ~3g
    • Sugar: ~12g
  • Fat: ~12g
    • Saturated Fat: ~4g
  • Sodium: ~750mg
  • Potassium: ~600mg
💡 For a lighter version, use whole wheat panko and air fry instead of baking.
Keyword Baked chicken, Crispy oven-baked chicken, Healthy fried chicken alternative, Hot honey chicken, Spicy honey glaze, Sweet and spicy chicken