Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Feast for Your Taste Buds ๐๐ถ๏ธ๐ฏ
1. Introduction
Looking for a flavorful and exciting chicken recipe? Look no further than this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet flavors, with a delightful kick of heat. The contrast of textures and tastes makes this dish not just a meal; itโs an experience that brings joy to any dinner table. The crunchy coating, perfectly balanced with the spicy hot honey drizzle, makes for an irresistible culinary delight. This **baked crunchy hot honey chicken** recipe is sure to impress, whether youโre hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal. Letโs dive into how to make this amazing dish that brilliantly brings together satisfying crunch and a touch of sweet heat! Itโs a game changer! You can also see my other amazing chicken recipes.

2. Ingredients
Before you start, gather your ingredients! The key to great **hot honey chicken** lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of spices.
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ยฝ cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ยผ cup hot honey (or regular honey with crushed red pepper flakes โ easily found at your local grocery store!)
- Olive oil spray
If you like unique chicken recipes, check out this Mediterranean Chicken Wraps.
3. Preparation Steps
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken for this **hot honey chicken** recipe. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor. Thorough seasoning is essential for achieving that mouthwatering taste.

Step 2: Coat in Crunchy Breading
Now itโs time to add the crunch! In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal together. This combination creates a perfect balance of texture for your **baked crunchy chicken**. Remove the seasoned chicken and coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, crunchy coating. This combination gives the chicken its signature satisfying crunch!
For another crispy recipe you should check this 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Get ready to bake! Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Arrange the coated **crunchy baked chicken** pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil spray to help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness. Finally, drizzle hot honey evenly over the chicken pieces, allowing it to seep into the breading. This adds that amazing sweet and spicy flavor!

Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is irresistibly crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for safety. Remove the **baked crunchy hot honey chicken** from the oven and, while still hot, brush any additional hot honey over the top. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also gives it that glossy finish thatโs so appetizing! Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
If you liked this chicken recipe, you might also like this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

4. Storage Tips
Want to save leftovers? To store your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results to maintain the desired crunch.
Did you know that you can find many recipes in the Dinner category?
5. Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to enjoy your **crunchy chicken**! Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a classic side of coleslaw, roasted veggies for a healthy option, or fluffy rice for a hearty and complete meal. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling or topping for a fresh salad. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, for an extra kick!
6. FAQs
What can I use instead of chicken thighs for this hot honey chicken recipe?
You can substitute chicken breasts or chicken tenders. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so monitor the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! While this recipe features hot honey, you can easily increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. A dash of hot sauce in the honey is also a great option.
How can I achieve an extra crunchy texture for my baked crunchy hot honey chicken?
To enhance the crunchiness, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it in a simple egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before coating with the breadcrumb mixture. Alternatively, you could add crushed cornflakes or potato chips to the breadcrumb mix for an extra crispy coating. Check out this other amazing recipe, Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry.
7. Nutritional Information
Each serving of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken contains approximately 350 calories, with a good balance of protein for muscle building, carbohydrates for energy, and healthy fats. This dish is both indulgent and also fits into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation!
8. Tips for Best Results
For the best flavor in this **crunchy hot honey chicken**, marinate the chicken overnight with the spices to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different spices and sauces according to your preferences! A little brown sugar in the breading can add a touch of sweetness.
You can also try this Quick Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
9. Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With its easy preparation steps and delicious results, itโs perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Enjoy this perfectly spicy yet sweet chicken dish with those you love and make every meal memorable! Donโt forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Try this Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole as well! It is really delicious.
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PrintBaked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Author: Serena Miller
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet flavors! This baked chicken dish is an irresistible culinary delight that brings joy to any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ยฝ cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ยผ cup hot honey (or regular honey with crushed red pepper flakes)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal, and coat each seasoned chicken piece in the mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), arrange the chicken on a baking tray with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil spray, and hot honey.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and crispy, then brush additional hot honey before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or rice for a complete meal.
- Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Double coat for extra crunch or use crushed cornflakes in the breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg