Name: Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved or 4 regular-sized pieces; 1 ½ tablespoon Adobo seasoning; ½ tablespoon chili powder; 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoon hot sauce; ¼ cup buttermilk; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup honey; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you crave that irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, and crispy, Baked Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken in a perfectly golden, crunchy crust, all generously glazed with a homemade hot honey sauce that dances between spicy and sweet. This dish is the ultimate comfort food make-over, easy enough for a Tuesday dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. From the fiery honey drizzle to that crunchy first bite, every detail of Baked Hot Honey Chicken will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Baked Hot Honey Chicken comes down to an honest lineup of pantry heroes—each one bringing its own flair to the party, whether it’s flavor, color, or that craveable crunch. These ingredients aren’t fancy, but they come together to create something magic.

Chicken breasts: Go for two large ones, halved, or four regular pieces—this keeps each portion nice and juicy.
Adobo seasoning: The all-purpose flavor booster; it adds savory depth and a pop of color to your marinade.
Chili powder: For a smoky kick that complements the sweetness of the honey sauce later on.
Panko breadcrumbs: These light, airy Japanese-style crumbs give your chicken that ultra-crispy finish without frying.
Salt: Essential to bring everything alive and balance out the honey’s sweetness.
Garlic powder: A gentle backbone of umami that sneaks into every crunchy bite.
Onion powder: Trusty for a mellow savory note that pairs perfectly with the other spices.
Smoked paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness—don’t skip this for maximum flavor.
Italian seasoning: A dried herb blend that brightens up the breading and makes it fragrant.
Eggs: These binders help the breadcrumb crust hug the chicken while baking.
Hot sauce: A double feature—mixed with the egg wash and the hot honey glaze for that beloved zing.
Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken moist and tender, with a subtle tang you’ll love.
All-purpose flour: The first dip for your chicken, giving the crust something to cling to.
Honey: Sweetness is the star of the glaze—pick a good quality honey for the best flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Turns up the heat in your hot honey glaze, perfectly balancing the sugar.

How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by halving your large chicken breasts so you have four even, perfectly cookable pieces. This not only makes the chicken bake faster, but ensures every bite is juicy and glazed in all the right places. Season liberally with the adobo and chili powder, then let the flavors soak in for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Next, you’ll want three different bowls. In the first, add your plain flour—this coats the chicken and helps the other layers stick. In the second, whisk eggs, hot sauce, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy; this mixture guarantees the breading stays on beautifully. Finally, mix the panko with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning in the third bowl. Lining up your bowls assembly-line style makes everything faster and much less messy!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

This is where the magic happens. Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in the flour, dip into the egg mixture until coated, and then firmly press both sides into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Make sure every inch is covered for that signature crunchy crust. Place the breaded chicken on a plate while you work so they’re ready to hit the oven together.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper, which helps the crust get golden without sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces so they aren’t crowded—this helps them crisp up. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is crunchy and the chicken is cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen in the best way!

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken finishes baking, combine honey, cayenne, chili powder, and a bit more hot sauce in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low until smooth and just thin enough to brush—the flavors meld and deepen into something truly irresistible. Don’t boil, just gently heat until the sauce is fragrant and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

When you’re just a couple of minutes from the finish line, take the tray out, generously brush each crispy chicken piece with a coat of glossy hot honey, and pop them back in for the last minute or so. The glaze thickens and sinks into every crunchy nook. Finish with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately—get your napkins ready!

How to Serve Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way! Try a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of green and freshness. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving also amps up the flavor and makes every bite pop. If you like a tiny bit more heat, a shower of thinly sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of extra hot honey looks beautiful and tastes even better.

Side Dishes

Baked Hot Honey Chicken is amazing alongside so many things. For a balanced meal, pair it with roasted sweet potatoes, a vibrant slaw, or garlicky sautéed green beans. If you’re in the mood for comfort, classic mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob are perfect choices. Even a crisp, cool salad with a citrusy vinaigrette can help balance the heat and sweetness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the chicken and piling it high on fresh brioche buns with pickles for the ultimate sandwich. Or, serve still-warm pieces over fluffy waffles and extra hot honey for a spicy twist on chicken and waffles. For a fun sharing platter, cut the chicken into strips and set out with a variety of dipping sauces and extra lemon wedges—family style dining at its best!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Baked Hot Honey Chicken (trust me, that’s rare!), you can store the cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coating remains surprisingly crisp, and the flavor deepens even more by the next day. Just let the chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating—it prevents sogginess!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a sheet pan before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. This keeps pieces from sticking together. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Keep in mind that the glaze may get tacky when frozen, so consider brushing on fresh hot honey after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to revive chilled or frozen Baked Hot Honey Chicken is to use your oven or air fryer—this restores the crust’s signature crunch. Just bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes (slightly longer from frozen), until hot and crispy. If you prefer, quickly refresh with a new swipe of hot honey before serving. The microwave works in a pinch, but the coating won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay exceptionally moist and have a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the hot honey glaze. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness after about 20 minutes.

Is this dish very spicy?

The beauty of Baked Hot Honey Chicken is that you control the heat. The glaze has a definite kick, but you can easily tone it down by using less cayenne or mild hot sauce. For extra spice fans, kick it up a notch with a dash more chili powder!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap standard panko for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free rice cereal, and use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The crispy, golden results are every bit as mouthwatering as the classic version.

Can I prep Baked Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely—you can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated, uncovered, for several hours before baking. Hold off on the glaze until just before serving for that signature shine and stickiness.

What are some variations I can try?

Experiment with different seasonings in the panko (like lemon zest, cumin, or chipotle powder), add sesame seeds for texture, or swap in maple syrup for the honey for a twist. You could even use the hot honey glaze on shrimp or fried tofu for a fun change!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one new recipe you add to your rotation this week, let it be Baked Hot Honey Chicken. It’s that unbeatable combo—bold, sticky, and savory—that wins hearts at the table every single time. Give it a spot on your menu and get ready for rave reviews from everyone you share it with!