Name: Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 4 chicken breast cutlets; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons hot honey

If you’re looking for that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and heavenly crunch, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This delightful dish brings together tender, juicy chicken cutlets, baked until golden, then glossed with a buttery hot honey glaze that’s impossible to resist. It’s both impressively easy and packed with flavor, a real treat when you’re craving bold comfort food that’s both weeknight-simple and dinner-party-worthy. Prepare to crave it again and again!

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken comes from a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial part in building irresistible taste and texture. Don’t let the short list fool you—a few pantry staples transform ordinary chicken into something truly special!

Chicken breast cutlets: The star of the show; these provide the juicy center and cook up perfectly under all that crispy coating.
Eggs: Whisked into an egg wash, they help the breading stick and create that classic crunchy crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: These ultra-crispy Japanese breadcrumbs give the chicken its signature crunch.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a base that ensures the breading clings beautifully.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a hint of umami to every bite.
Garlic powder: Brings subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
Chili powder: Provides just enough smokiness and heat to balance the sweet honey glaze.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the breading mixture to perfection.
Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it cling to the crust.
Hot honey: The sweet heat that takes this chicken to the next level—a drizzle goes a long way!
Cooking spray: An absolute must for that oven-baked crispiness.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Set the Stage

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray. This not only keeps the chicken from sticking, but also helps jumpstart the browning you want for that irresistible crispy crust. It’s the little details like this that make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken come out just right!

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Grab two shallow bowls. In one, whisk the eggs until smooth and frothy. In the other, stir together your panko, flour, shredded Parmesan, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Each component has a role: panko for crunch, flour for that initial snag on the chicken, and a touch of Parmesan for a deeper savory note—it’s breading with personality.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Cutlets

Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash first, ensuring it’s completely coated—this is what the breading will cling to. Then dredge the chicken into your breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently on each side so every inch is smothered in the flavorful coating. Take your time here; an even layer means every bite sings with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated cutlets on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a generous mist of cooking spray on top—that’s the secret for deep oven-baked crunch! Bake for 50 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get that mouthwatering golden crispiness. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is finishing up, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in the hot honey, blending until the mixture is glossy and irresistible. This quick glaze is what gives Crispy Hot Honey Chicken its signature sweet fire—ready your taste buds!

Step 6: Finish with Flavor

Once the chicken is perfectly crisp, take it out of the oven. Brush or generously drizzle the hot honey glaze over each piece, making sure that every crunchy nook soaks up some of that golden glaze. Serve right away while everything is hot and sticky and let the oohs and ahhs roll in.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives offers a burst of color and freshness over Crispy Hot Honey Chicken. If you love extra spice, dust with red pepper flakes or serve with lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch. A shaving of Parmesan or a little drizzle of extra hot honey never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This chicken’s sweet-spicy crunch pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or a pillowy bed of steamed rice. For a heartier meal, try roasted veggies, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a vinegary slaw. The vibrant flavors mean just about any classic side dish will shine here!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to a traditional plate—slice Crispy Hot Honey Chicken and pile it into wraps, tuck pieces into fluffy buns for sliders, or serve atop waffles for a savory-sweet brunch twist. The colors and crunch also make it gorgeous as a show-stopping salad centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the glaze separate and add it just before enjoying, so the chicken retains as much crispiness as possible.

Freezing

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Place the (unglazed) baked cutlets on a tray to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best texture for up to 2 months. Freeze small portions of glaze separately, if desired.

Reheating

When you’re ready, reheat the cutlets in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose crunch! Warm the glaze gently on the stove or in the microwave and drizzle it over just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Gluten-free panko and flour blends are widely available and work beautifully for this recipe.

What’s the difference between hot honey and regular honey?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, creating that sweet-heat flavor explosion. If you don’t have it, try mixing regular honey with a dash of your favorite hot sauce!

Can I air fry Crispy Hot Honey Chicken instead of baking?

Yes, you can! Place the coated cutlets in a single layer in your air fryer and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 375°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Thin-sliced chicken breast cutlets are ideal because they cook evenly and deliver plenty of surface area for all that delicious crispy coating and glaze. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier twist.

Is Crispy Hot Honey Chicken very spicy?

The glaze brings a gentle heat balanced with plenty of sweet, so it’s more a warm tingle than fiery kick. Feel free to adjust by using milder or hotter honey according to your spice tolerance!

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a dish that’s crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, give Crispy Hot Honey Chicken a try! It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress anyone at your table. Once you taste it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—trust me, your cravings will thank you!

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe