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Backed Hot Honey Crunch Chicken

Quick and Simple: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes, and most of that is just waiting while the oven does the work. Perfect for busy nights when you want something really good but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy💖
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients List for Baked Hot Honey Crunch Chicken

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Crispy Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes or more panko if needed
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice level

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter for a silky finish
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • That’s it! Simple ingredients big flavor. Now let’s put it all together!

Instructions
 

How to Cook Baked Hot Honey Crunch Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 1: Prep the Chicken

    • ✔ Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
    • ✔ In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
    • ✔ Add the chicken, making sure it's fully coated in the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for max flavor).

    Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

    • ✔ In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
    • ✔ Take a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
    • ✔ Press it firmly into the coating mixture, making sure every inch is covered.
    • ✔ Repeat with all the chicken pieces.

    Step 3: Bake It to Crispy Goodness

    • ✔ Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • ✔ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.
    • ✔ Arrange the coated chicken on the sheet or rack, making sure they aren’t touching.
    • ✔ Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil—this helps with that golden, crispy finish.
    • ✔ Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).

    Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

    • ✔ In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes.
    • ✔ Stir until the butter melts and everything is smooth.
    • ✔ Taste and adjust spice levels if needed.

    Step 5: Coat and Serve

    • ✔ Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken, or dip each piece for full coverage.
    • ✔ Let it sit for a minute so the sauce sticks.
    • ✔ Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy, sweet, and spicy bite!