Name: Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

If you love crispy fried chicken but want something a little less greasy and a whole lot easier, this Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will become a fast favorite. It brings all the flavor of your favorite fried chicken dinner with a lighter twist—oven-baked to golden perfection with a wildly delicious hot honey glaze that clings to every crunchy bite.

Each piece is coated in a buttery seasoned crumb that gives you maximum crisp factor without the deep-fry hassle. Then comes the drizzle: a sweet, spicy, sticky hot honey glaze that adds a kick you can adjust to your liking. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or a fun family meal that feels a little special.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe—they bake evenly and stay juicy when coated. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat, just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly. The key is to slice them evenly so they cook consistently and give that satisfying, crisp exterior.

Ingredients for the Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up flavor while staying tender.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are drier and flakier than regular ones, giving you the ultimate crispy texture.

Paprika & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples provide warmth and depth, flavoring both the chicken and coating.

Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and allows the crumbs to stick beautifully.

Eggs: Act as a binder between the buttermilk and the breadcrumb coating.

Butter: Melted butter poured over the crumbs before baking helps mimic that fried finish.

Honey: The base of the glaze, bringing a mellow sweetness.

Hot Sauce: Adds heat and balance to the honey. You can adjust the amount based on your spice level preference.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a sharp tang to balance the sweet and spicy sauce.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Optional for garnish, but they bring freshness and texture.

How To Make the Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into evenly sized cutlets. This ensures they cook uniformly and gives a larger surface area for that crunchy coating. Soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for ultra-tender results).

Step 2: Create the Breading Station

Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with paprika and garlic powder, another with beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs. This trio creates the perfect layering for crispness.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the flour first, then the egg, and finally coat it well with the panko. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere nicely.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each piece with melted butter to get that golden crisp. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is deep golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring until well blended. Taste and adjust spice as needed.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Once out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Finish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Serving and Storing This Chicken

Serve this hot and crispy chicken straight from the oven with extra hot honey on the side for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a crisp slaw, mashed potatoes, or even fluffy cornbread. For a lighter option, slice it over a fresh salad or tuck it into a wrap.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative like rice flour or almond flour for dredging.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem—you can make your own substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Is the hot honey sauce very spicy?

You control the heat. Add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference. Some people even use a mix of sriracha and cayenne for a different flavor profile.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.

Can I use chicken tenders?

Yes, chicken tenders are a great option and cook even faster. Just reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes and keep an eye on them.

What should I serve on the side?

This chicken is great with sweet potato fries, creamy mac and cheese, or even a simple green salad to balance the heat.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this crunchy hot honey chicken hit the spot, you’ll probably want to check out these delicious dinners next:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a cozy skillet-style favorite.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for set-it-and-forget-it ease.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a buttery and bold pairing.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon if you’re in the mood to switch proteins but keep the flavor high.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another comforting dinner packed with garlic richness.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go bold with the hot sauce or keep it sweet and mild? Did you pair it with something fun?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. You can also follow along on my Pinterest Life with Jam for more cozy, crispy, creative weeknight meals.