Golden-crusted, sweet-and-spicy, and irresistibly juicy, this Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer for dinner nights. Think crispy chicken with a shattering crust, wrapped in a blanket of sticky, garlicky hot honey glaze that clings to every crunchy crevice. It brings all the joy of fried chicken, minus the deep fryer—thanks to a high-heat oven and clever layering of textures.


Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish delivers Southern comfort vibes with a bold, modern twist. If you’re craving something that balances fiery heat with golden honey sweetness, this will be your new go-to. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from creamy mashed potatoes to fresh coleslaw.
What Makes This Hot Honey Chicken So Special?
What truly sets this dish apart is the irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The double-dip coating (flour then panko) gives it a sturdy, shatteringly crisp shell. The hot honey glaze—a blend of chili flakes, garlic, butter, and honey—caramelizes just enough in the oven to create a sticky, finger-licking finish.
And unlike deep-fried versions, this baked method gives you all the crispness without the oil overload. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
Ingredients for the Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook evenly and stay juicy under the crispy coating.
- All-Purpose Flour: The essential first layer for coating, helping the egg adhere.
- Eggs: Beaten to help the flour and panko stick to the chicken.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Adds an airy, golden crunch that’s lighter than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These amp up the flavor in every bite.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the coating thoroughly.
- Butter: Melted for the glaze; it blends with honey and chili for richness.
- Honey: The star of the glaze—thick, floral, and perfect for balancing the spice.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings that slow-building heat in the glaze.
- Fresh Parsley & Green Onions: Garnish for freshness and color.
How To Make the Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top for even crisping. Lightly grease the rack.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko bread crumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the flour (shake off excess), then into the egg, and finally press into the panko until fully coated. Set on the prepared rack.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping once halfway through for even crisping.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle or brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and green onions before serving.

How to Serve and Store Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
This chicken is best served fresh out of the oven while still hot and crispy, with the glaze warm and gooey. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to recapture that crispy edge without drying it out.
To freeze, skip the glaze—freeze the cooked chicken on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready to serve, reheat and then add freshly made glaze.
What to Serve With Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
Creamy Mac and Cheese
A rich, cheesy side balances the sweet heat of the chicken.
Tangy Coleslaw
Crunchy, vinegary slaw cuts through the glaze beautifully.
Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, buttery, and a perfect match for sticky chicken.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add a touch of green and charred bitterness.
Southern Cornbread
Slightly sweet, it complements the glaze and adds texture variety.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Cool and hydrating with a light citrus dressing to calm the spice.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, here are more recipes to shake up your dinner routine:
- Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken if you’re craving a true Southern classic.
- Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for a hands-off meal with rich flavor.
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy when you’re after cozy comfort.
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs for a sticky-sweet, Asian-inspired twist.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni for creamy pasta lovers.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of bourbon in the glaze or a dash of smoked paprika in the breading? I’d love to hear your take—share it in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Classic Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sink your teeth into this oven-baked marvel: crispy, golden chicken breast coated in seasoned panko and finished with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze. It’s a lighter take on traditional fried chicken, baked to crispy perfection without sacrificing any crunch. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. A standout among quick dinner ideas, it’s great with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. Whether you’re after an easy recipe, family dinner idea, or crave something sweet and spicy, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup honey
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil; place a wire rack on top and grease it lightly.
2. In three shallow bowls, place seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko crumbs.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and coat thoroughly with panko.
4. Arrange coated chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in honey and red pepper flakes; simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Drizzle hot honey glaze over baked chicken and garnish with parsley and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Use a wire rack for ultimate crispness during baking.
Adjust chili flakes in the glaze to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, crispy chicken, oven-fried, spicy honey
