Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

A Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy, with a flavorful glaze that coats each crispy piece of chicken. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it for a gathering, this dish will become an instant favorite. This recipe combines the richness of crispy chicken, the sweet heat of honey, and the savory depth of seasonings to create an unforgettable meal.

Introduction to Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken is a dish that combines the indulgence of crispy fried chicken with the perfect touch of spicy sweetness. The combination of crunchy and tender chicken with a honey glaze infused with chili flakes or hot sauce is a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors.

The Hot Honey Sauce

Hot honey itself has gained immense popularity in recent years as an all-purpose condiment, offering a balance of sweetness from honey and spice from chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. It pairs wonderfully with everything from pizza to chicken wings. When used as a glaze for baked chicken, the honey sauce caramelizes, enhancing the crispy chicken’s exterior and adding an irresistible glossy finish.

Why Bake Instead of Fry?

While traditional hot honey chicken might be made by deep-frying the chicken to achieve crispiness, this version is baked, which makes it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. The baking process allows the chicken to become crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. When combined with the hot honey glaze, it transforms into a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Preparation Steps for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the detailed process of creating this crispy, spicy-sweet dish step by step.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If you’re using chicken breasts, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes will work.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating mixture for the chicken. This will create the crispy outer layer that holds the hot honey glaze.

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring that every side is evenly coated. Press the flour mixture gently into the chicken to ensure it sticks.
2. Shake off any excess flour and place the chicken onto a plate. If you want a thicker crust, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and re-coat it with the flour mixture.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Leave a little space between each piece so that the air can circulate around them, ensuring they bake evenly and get crispy.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil or vegetable oil. This helps them crisp up while baking.
4. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To achieve the perfect crispy texture, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to make the hot honey glaze that will give the chicken its signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with the Hot Honey Glaze

1. Once the chicken is finished baking and has reached the appropriate internal temperature, remove it from the oven.
2. Brush the chicken generously with the hot honey glaze, ensuring each piece is coated in the sweet and spicy mixture. You can also drizzle the glaze over the chicken if you prefer a more subtle coating.
3. For extra flavor, you can return the glazed chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is crispy, glazed, and ready to go, serve it immediately. Garnish with:

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• A squeeze of lime or lemon to add a citrusy contrast to the sweetness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Achieving the perfect balance of crispy and juicy chicken with a glazed exterior requires a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you make this dish perfectly every time:

1. Double-Coating the Chicken

If you’re aiming for an extra crispy crust, double-coat the chicken. After the first coating of flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then coat it again with the flour mixture. This will result in a thicker, crunchier coating that holds up beautifully to the hot honey glaze.

2. Use a Cooling Rack

To achieve crispy chicken, place the chicken on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet while baking. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, preventing it from getting soggy on the bottom.

3. Watch the Oven Temperature

Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If the oven is too hot, the chicken might burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If it’s too low, the chicken may dry out before it gets crispy. A temperature of 400°F (200°C) strikes the right balance for baking chicken.

4. Adjust the Spice

Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper in the hot honey glaze to match your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a sweet chili sauce.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is delicious on its own, it pairs beautifully with various sides and dishes. Here are some serving ideas and variations to customize your meal:

1. Serve with Rice or Mashed Potatoes

The sweet and spicy chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or a hearty side of mashed potatoes. The rice or potatoes will help balance the heat of the chicken and soak up any extra glaze.

2. Add a Side Salad

A light and fresh side salad with ingredients like cucumber, tomato, arugula, and a vinaigrette dressing can help balance the richness of the chicken. Try a coleslaw or a kale salad for a crunchy contrast.

3. Make it into a Sandwich

Turn this recipe into a delicious hot honey chicken sandwich by placing a crispy piece of chicken on a toasted bun. Add pickles, lettuce, and a dollop of extra hot honey glaze or ranch dressing to complete the sandwich.

4. Serve with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes are perfect side dishes for this crispy chicken. They provide a nice contrast in texture and help balance the rich, spicy glaze.

5. Tacos or Wraps

For a fun twist, try using the crispy hot honey chicken in tacos or wraps. Add some slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of the hot honey sauce for a delicious fusion meal.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken with a crispy crust and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely become a new favorite. With a few expert tips and variations, you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Variations on Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

While the base recipe for Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious classic, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can make a few simple adjustments to customize the flavor, texture, or presentation. Here are a few creative variations to try:

1. Hot Honey Chicken Wings:

Instead of chicken breasts or thighs, you can make hot honey chicken wings. The wings cook faster and can absorb more of the honey glaze. To make wings:

• Ingredients: Follow the same recipe, but substitute with chicken wings (about 12-16 pieces, depending on size).
• Cooking Instructions: Bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. Brush the wings with the hot honey glaze halfway through baking to create a sticky coating. You can also broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes to make them even crispier.

2. Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich:

Transform this recipe into a hot honey chicken sandwich for a fun twist on classic comfort food. Here’s how:

• Use crispy chicken breast as the filling for the sandwich.
• Toast a brioche bun or any soft, buttery sandwich bun.
• Add pickles, shredded lettuce, and a generous drizzle of the hot honey glaze for added flavor.
• Optional: Include a slice of cheddar cheese or creamy ranch dressing to cut through the heat.

3. Gluten-Free Crispy Hot Honey Chicken:

If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or a gluten-free breading option. You can also use almond flour for a grain-free version that still results in crispy chicken. Be sure to use gluten-free hot sauce and check the label of the honey and other condiments to ensure they’re gluten-free.

4. Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

For a kid-friendly twist, make hot honey chicken tenders. They cook quicker and are perfect for dipping:

• Chicken Tenders: Use boneless chicken tenders (about 1 ½ pounds), which will bake faster than whole chicken breasts.
• Follow the same coating method as the full chicken breasts, and bake for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and golden.

5. Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles:

For a fun Southern-inspired twist, serve your crispy baked hot honey chicken with a side of waffles. The sweetness of the honey glaze paired with the savory chicken makes it the perfect brunch dish or a comfort food dinner.

• Waffles: Prepare crispy waffles (either from scratch or frozen) and drizzle the hot honey glaze over both the chicken and waffles.
• Optional Garnishes: Add a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of buttermilk syrup to elevate the dish.

6. Vegetarian Version with Cauliflower Wings:

For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you can use cauliflower as a substitute for the chicken. Cauliflower wings are becoming increasingly popular, and they pair wonderfully with hot honey.

• Break cauliflower into florets and coat them with the same flour mixture.
• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until crispy, then toss with the hot honey glaze. You can serve these as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Healthier Modifications

While crispy baked hot honey chicken is already a healthier alternative to fried chicken, you can make some modifications to reduce the calorie count or enhance the nutritional value:

1. Lighten the Coating:

To reduce the overall calorie count, you can:

• Use panko breadcrumbs (or whole wheat panko) instead of flour for a lighter, airier coating.
• Skip the cornstarch or use a small amount of almond flour for a healthier, lower-carb option.

2. Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor:

If you’re trying to balance the crispy texture with juicier meat, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The dark meat provides more flavor, and when baked with the crispy coating, it results in a juicier, tender piece of chicken.

3. Make a Low-Sugar Hot Honey Glaze:

If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, you can substitute the honey with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Be mindful of the consistency, as these alternatives may not thicken as much as regular honey, so you may need to adjust the recipe by adding a bit more vinegar or water.

4. Use Air Frying for a Healthier Crunch:

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to baking in the oven, the air fryer is a great choice for crispy chicken with less oil. It allows you to achieve that perfect crunch with minimal added fat. Just lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before air frying for optimal crispiness.

Final Thoughts: Why Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Will Become a Family Favorite

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is one of those recipes that easily elevates any meal—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a dish to impress guests. The crispy exterior, combined with the spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture that appeals to both adults and kids alike.

The versatility of this dish is unmatched. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a meal with your favorite sides, it can be tailored to fit any taste preference or dietary need. The leftovers are just as delicious, and it’s a dish that can be reheated and enjoyed multiple times without losing its appeal.

Yield: 4

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Print

Hot honey chicken is a dish that combines the indulgence of crispy fried chicken with the perfect touch of spicy sweetness. The combination of crunchy and tender chicken with a honey glaze infused with chili flakes or hot sauce is a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Marinating Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, or chicken breasts with skin)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or any other hot sauce of your choice)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack (for extra crispiness).
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this helps achieve a crispier skin.
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano (if using). Rub the seasoning into the chicken skin.

2. Marinate (Optional but Recommended):

• For extra flavor and crispiness, you can let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for 15 minutes to an hour in the fridge. However, this step is optional if you're short on time.

3. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the seasoned chicken thighs (or drumsticks) on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, skin side up.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If you're using chicken breasts, they may cook a bit faster (about 25-30 minutes).
• If you’re using a wire rack, the heat will circulate more evenly, making the chicken extra crispy.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

• While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter. Stir together until well combined and warmed through.
• Add cayenne pepper (optional) for extra heat, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey; for more heat, add more hot sauce.

5. Coat the Chicken:

• Once the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated. For extra crispiness, you can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve the crispy hot honey chicken with your favorite sides. It goes well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
• Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness.

Notes

Crispiness:

• Drying the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before baking is crucial to achieving crispy skin. Moisture on the skin prevents it from becoming crispy during baking. If you want extra crispy skin, you can also refrigerate the chicken uncovered for about 30 minutes to an hour before baking to dry out the skin further.
• Wire Rack vs. Baking Sheet: Using a wire rack on a baking sheet elevates the chicken, allowing the air to circulate around it and making it extra crispy. If you don't have a wire rack, just place the chicken directly on the baking sheet, but be sure to flip it halfway through cooking if you want a bit of crispness on both sides.

Chicken Cuts:

• Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs or drumsticks provide more flavor and juiciness compared to boneless, skinless cuts. The skin crisps up nicely in the oven, creating that irresistible texture.
• Boneless Skinless Option: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you can use them, but the cooking time will be shorter (around 25-30 minutes). The texture won’t be as crispy on the outside, but the hot honey sauce will still provide a great flavor.

Hot Honey Sauce:

• Hot Sauce: The type of hot sauce you use will affect the flavor of the dish. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha, Cholula, or any other brand will work. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
• Butter & Vinegar: The butter in the sauce gives it a nice richness and smooth texture, while the vinegar balances out the sweetness of the honey and adds a touch of acidity to cut through the heat. You can add more or less butter depending on your preference.

Flavor Variations:

• Sweetness & Heat Balance: The beauty of this recipe is the balance between the sweet honey and the spicy heat from the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For more spice, add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
• Spicy Garlic Hot Honey: For a garlicky twist, add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the hot honey sauce while heating it, allowing the garlic to infuse the sauce with flavor.

Meal Prep:

• Make-Ahead Chicken: The chicken can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, you can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Just be sure to add the hot honey sauce when serving, as the sauce is best served warm.
• Storage: Store leftover hot honey sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also make a double batch and use it as a dipping sauce for other dishes like chicken tenders, fries, or even grilled vegetables.

Serving Ideas:

• Side Dishes: Serve this crispy hot honey chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, rice, or mashed potatoes to balance out the heat. Coleslaw also pairs nicely with the sweet and spicy chicken, offering a refreshing contrast.
• On the Go: This chicken can also be used for sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos. Just add some crunchy slaw, pickles, and the hot honey sauce on a soft bun for a tasty chicken sandwich.