Baked Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, offering a flavor-packed dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Coated in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, lightly breaded, and baked until golden brown, this chicken is then drizzled with a homemade hot honey glaze that’s both sticky and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers all the satisfying flavors of fried chicken without the excess oil. Pair it with your favorite sides, and watch it become an instant favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (about 8 pieces) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. - Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even crisping. - Bread the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, combine flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, and coat evenly in the flour mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake:
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help it crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as desired. - Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is baked, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your sweet-and-spicy feast with a satisfying crunch in every bite!