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Easy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe You Can Master

Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with pantry staples, clear cues, and flexible swaps.
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
  • In a shallow dish, mix panko, crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
  • Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
  • Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • While chicken bakes, prepare hot honey sauce: in a small saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  • Drizzle or brush hot honey over crispy baked chicken just before serving.