Go Back
–+ servings
Benjamin

Spicy-Sweet Baked Hot Honey Chicken

This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy. Juicy chicken is coated in a crispy panko crust, then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that’s the perfect blend of heat and sweetness. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or with waffles, this dish will become your go-to comfort meal
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to your preferred heat level
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice optional, for tang
For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken – Pat chicken dry. In one bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Coat the Chicken – Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Cook Until Golden & Crispy –
  4. Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Make the Hot Honey Sauce – In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar/lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  8. Drizzle and Serve – Pour the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken or toss to fully coat. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.

Notes

    • Adjust Heat Level: Reduce hot sauce for a milder version or add extra red pepper flakes for more spice.
    • Extra Crunch Tip: For a thicker crust, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
    • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
    • Best Pairings: Serve with waffles, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or over a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!