Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!)
This Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) is crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. A healthier alternative to fried chicken that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks, thighs, or tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil
- Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 –2 tablespoons hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet or wire rack.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- In a bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the mixture.
- Place coated chicken on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes.
- Drizzle or brush hot honey sauce over baked chicken.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes and serve.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes for best tenderness.
- Use a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even baking.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crunch.
- Freeze without sauce for up to 2 months.