Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Extra Crispy

When you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and spicy, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the answer. This recipe takes tender chicken pieces, coats them in a golden, crunchy crust, and drizzles them with sticky homemade hot honey sauce. The best part? It’s baked instead of fried, meaning you still get that irresistible crunch without standing over hot oil.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even a centerpiece at casual gatherings. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant—only fresher and healthier.

Why You’ll Love Baked Hot Honey Chicken

There’s so much to adore about this recipe:

Perfect Crunch – The chicken bakes up with a shatteringly crisp coating.
Sweet & Spicy Glaze – Hot honey is the ultimate flavor enhancer.
Healthier than Frying – You’ll enjoy all the indulgence without deep-frying.
Family Favorite – Kids love the crunch, and adults love the kick of heat.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and reheat for crispy lunches or dinners.

Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, with roasted veggies, or alongside a crisp salad, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this crispy baked chicken to life.

For the Chicken

2 pounds chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
2 cups cornflakes, crushed into fine crumbs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

For the Hot Honey Sauce

½ cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a silky finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. A wire rack placed on the baking sheet is even better—it keeps the chicken elevated for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a food processor, pulse the cornflakes until they become fine crumbs. Mix them with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumb mixture in a third. This ensures the chicken gets a perfectly even, crunchy coating.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the eggs, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. For an extra-crunchy bite, press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Arrange the chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to encourage browning. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Stir in hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter (if using). Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is done, drizzle with the hot honey sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra chili flakes or fresh herbs for presentation.

Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken

Use cornflakes + panko – This duo gives the crunchiest texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Space out chicken so the hot air circulates.
Flip halfway – This ensures even browning on all sides.
Add a wire rack – Elevates chicken and keeps the underside from steaming.

Delicious Variations

One of the best parts about hot honey chicken is how customizable it is. Try these variations:

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – Pile chicken tenders on a brioche bun with slaw and pickles.
Spicy Bowl Meal – Serve over jasmine rice with roasted broccoli or sautéed greens.
Party Appetizer – Cut chicken into bite-sized nuggets and serve with hot honey dipping sauce.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free cornflakes and flour.
Air Fryer Method – Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping once, for an even crispier result.

What to Serve with Baked Hot Honey Chicken

This bold, flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes:

Roasted sweet potatoes or crispy potato wedges
Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter
A refreshing cucumber-tomato salad
Steamed rice or garlic butter noodles
A cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

This recipe is meal-prep friendly and reheats well.

Make Ahead – Bread the chicken up to 24 hours before baking. Store covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness (avoid microwaving if possible).
Freezer Friendly – Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cooking time.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: ~410
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g

Values may vary based on portion size and ingredient substitutions.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to success lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The crunchy baked coating delivers the satisfaction of fried chicken, while the sweet and spicy honey glaze adds a glossy finish that elevates the entire dish. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make—and because it’s baked, it’s a little lighter while still tasting decadent.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is everything you want in a comfort food: crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy all at once. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. With simple pantry staples and a homemade hot honey glaze, you’ll create a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

So grab that jar of honey, a splash of hot sauce, and some crunchy cornflakes—you’re only a few steps away from the ultimate baked chicken experience.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.