Crispy Honey Glazed Chicken

This baked crunchy hot honey chicken delivers that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat, all while being drizzled with a sweet-heat honey sauce that will have you licking your fingers. I've perfected this healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn't sacrifice any of the satisfying crunch or flavor you crave.

I first made this dish when looking for a healthier version of my family's favorite takeout. Now it's requested at least twice a month, with my kids fighting over the last piece every single time.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Use thighs for more flavor and moisture if you prefer
• All-purpose flour: Creates the base for your breading
• Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving that extra crispy crust even when baking
• Eggs: Help the breading adhere perfectly to the chicken
• Spices: Including garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to build layers of flavor
• Honey: Choose a good quality local honey for the best flavor profile
• Hot sauce: Use your favorite variety; Frank's RedHot or Sriracha work wonderfully
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for true spice lovers
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is crucial for achieving that golden crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken cooks through perfectly. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Breading Station Setup:

Create your three-station breading assembly line with seasoned flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Make sure your chicken is thoroughly patted dry first; this helps the breading stick better. Season each element well; the flour mixture especially needs proper seasoning as this is your flavor foundation.

Bread the Chicken:

Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken through the flour, ensuring complete coverage. Shake off excess before dipping into beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into panko breadcrumbs on all sides. The pressing motion is key to creating a coating that won't fall off during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange breaded chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet with space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. A light spray of cooking oil over the top helps achieve that deep golden color. Bake for 25-30 minutes; the exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces. For absolute perfection, use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

Create the Hot Honey Sauce:

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat just until the butter melts and everything incorporates smoothly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. Add the vinegar at the end for that perfect flavor balance.

Apply the Glaze:

When your chicken emerges from the oven golden and crispy, immediately drizzle with the hot honey sauce. For maximum flavor impact, brush additional sauce on individual pieces ensuring every bite has that sweet heat explosion. The hot chicken will help set the glaze perfectly.

Pin

This dish reminds me of Sunday family dinners when everyone gathers around the table fighting over the last piece. The hot honey sauce is truly the star; I often make extra to keep in the refrigerator for drizzling over everything from roasted vegetables to vanilla ice cream for a sweet heat treat.

Make Ahead Tips

This chicken can be prepared up to the breading stage and refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking. Simply place the breaded chicken on a wire rack in the refrigerator uncovered. This actually helps the coating adhere better and results in an even crispier finished product. The hot honey sauce can also be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This crunchy hot honey chicken pairs beautifully with cooling side dishes. Try serving it with a creamy coleslaw; the tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken wonderfully. Buttermilk biscuits make an excellent accompaniment, soaking up any extra sauce that might drip from the chicken. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted sweet potatoes which echo the sweet notes in the honey sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the texture will suffer. An air fryer is the ideal reheating method, giving you results nearly identical to freshly made chicken in just 3-4 minutes at 375°F. Store any leftover sauce separately and warm before serving.

Pin

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this dish. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Just ensure you cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, make sure to: 1) Pat the chicken completely dry before breading, 2) Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil before baking, 3) Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, and 4) Arrange the chicken pieces on a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to allow air circulation.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce?

Absolutely! You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients or use a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, increase the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with many sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, you can also serve it over rice or with biscuits.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The hot honey sauce can also be made in advance and gently reheated. For best results, bake the chicken just before serving to maintain the crispy texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven to help restore some crispiness.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! You can make this gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your hot sauce label to confirm.