Hot honey chicken recipe fans know the magic lies in the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and crispy. I first discovered hot honey in New York City on a late-night slice of pizza, and that drizzle of sweet heat had me hooked. Soon after, I started pairing it with crunchy chicken at home, and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to make dinner exciting.
In this guide, you’ll learn the classic version of hot honey chicken plus variations for different cuts, cooking methods, and meal ideas. Whether it’s an easy weeknight dinner or game day wings, this recipe delivers bold comfort every time.
If you love flavorful chicken dinners, my Marry Me Chicken recipe is another classic worth trying.
Table of Contents
Why Hot Honey Chicken Is So Popular
The magic of crispy hot honey chicken lies in its balance. Crunchy baked chicken is coated in a golden crust that holds up beautifully against a sticky, fiery glaze. The sweet heat wakes up your taste buds in every bite, making it a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Food trends like Nashville hot chicken and the rise of “swicy” flavors have helped this recipe gain even more popularity. From viral TikTok recipes to Sweetgreen-inspired bowls, hot honey chicken has become a modern classic. What makes it special is its versatility. You can serve it as tenders, sliders, wings, or even a hearty salad topping. No matter how you make it, it always delivers big flavor.
Ingredients for Classic Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this homemade hot honey chicken recipe.
Chicken and Coating Essentials
- Chicken breast tenderloins or thighs for a juicy base
- Cornflakes for a crunchy coating
- Parmesan cheese for a savory kick
- Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for flavor
- Eggs and hot sauce to help the coating stick
- Olive oil for baking to golden crispness
Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients
- Honey for sweetness
- Hot sauce for fiery heat
- Cayenne and chipotle chili powder for depth
- Garlic and onion powder for balance
- Fresh herbs for a bright finish
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- shallow dish
- mixing bowl
- small saucepan
- oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflakes (gluten free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins (or thighs/tenders)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust heat to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs. Mix with Parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish.
- Whisk the eggs with hot sauce. Add chicken and toss to coat well.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the crumb mixture until fully covered. For extra crunch, double-dip into the egg mixture and crumbs again. Arrange on the baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Drizzle the warm sauce over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Double coat the chicken for extra crunch.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for mild or spicy heat.
- Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey for dipping.
- Great with sides like fries, mac and cheese, slaw, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 610 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Step One: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay crisp.
Step Two: Prepare the Coating
Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs using a food processor or zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Mix with Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread mixture in a shallow dish.
Step Three: Coat the Chicken
Whisk eggs with hot sauce in a bowl, then toss chicken to coat. Press each piece into the crumb mixture until fully covered. For extra crunch, double dip into egg mixture and crumbs. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Step Four: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Step Five: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While chicken bakes, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step Six: Finish and Serve
Drizzle warm hot honey sauce over the baked chicken, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve immediately while the coating is crisp and the glaze is sticky sweet.
Variations by Cuts and Cooking Methods
Different Cuts of Hot Honey Chicken
One of the best things about a hot honey chicken recipe is how flexible it can be. You can use different cuts depending on the occasion or who you are serving.
- Hot honey chicken wings are perfect for game day when you want a snack that’s finger-licking good.
- Hot honey chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
- Hot honey chicken tenders are always a hit with kids and anyone who loves a simple, crispy bite.
- Hot honey chicken drumsticks are easy to bake in the oven and work well for family dinners.
- If you want something lighter, try hot honey chicken breast, which pairs beautifully with salads and wraps.
Cooking Styles for Every Kitchen
No matter your favorite method, crispy hot honey chicken adapts beautifully.
- Baked hot honey chicken is a healthier choice that still delivers crunch without the fryer.
- Air fryer hot honey chicken gives you golden crispiness with less oil and cooks fast for weeknight meals.
- Fried hot honey chicken is indulgent, extra crunchy, and perfect when you’re craving comfort food.
- Grilled hot honey chicken adds a smoky flavor that makes it a summer favorite, and you can even thread pieces onto skewers for cookouts.
Each of these variations keeps the flavor balance of sweet and spicy intact, while giving you the freedom to cook your way.
Sauce Variations, Pairings, and Serving Tips
Hot Honey Sauce Variations
Switching up the sauce is one of the easiest ways to keep your hot honey chicken recipe exciting:
- Garlic honey: adds a savory depth that pairs well with roasted chicken.
- Chipotle honey: smoky and bold, perfect for grilled versions.
- Sriracha honey: extra heat with a tangy finish.
- Chili honey chicken: classic sweet and spicy combo with steady warmth.
- Homemade hot honey: simple to make with honey and chili flakes, adjust spice to taste.
what to serve with hot honey chicken
Wondering what to serve with hot honey chicken? Try these options that balance flavor and texture:
- Classic comfort sides: crispy fries, creamy mac and cheese, buttery cornbread.
- Lighter choices: fresh slaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Best dipping sauces: ranch, blue cheese, or even extra hot honey.
- Drinks that pair well: iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweet heat.
| Serving Option | Best Pairing |
|---|---|
| Hot Honey Chicken Wings | Ranch dip and fries |
| Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich | Slaw and pickles |
| Hot Honey Chicken Bowl | Grains and roasted veggies |
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Honey Chicken
What exactly is hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken is a recipe that combines crispy chicken with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. The balance of crunchy coating, golden honey, and chili heat makes it both comforting and exciting. It can be baked, fried, grilled, or cooked in the air fryer, making it a versatile option for weeknight chicken dinners or game day meals.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
The base of hot honey sauce is simple: honey and chili heat. Most recipes include hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes chipotle for smoky flavor. This sweet and spicy honey glaze can be drizzled over chicken, used as a dip, or added to sandwiches and wraps.
Should I put hot honey on chicken before or after cooking?
For the best results, add hot honey after the chicken has cooked. Baking or frying with the sauce already on can cause it to burn or lose its flavor. Drizzling the sauce over crispy chicken just before serving keeps the coating crunchy while adding a sticky, sweet, and spicy finish.
What to put with hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken pairs well with both comfort sides and lighter options. Popular choices include mac and cheese, cornbread, and crispy fries, or fresh slaw and roasted vegetables for balance. For dipping, ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey are all excellent options. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my favorite side dishes that go perfectly with chicken recipes.
A well-made hot honey chicken recipe is the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy. Whether you bake tenders, grill thighs, or serve it in sliders and salads, this dish always delivers big flavor. Make the classic version, try different sauces, and pair it with your favorite sides for an easy meal everyone will love.
Want more ideas after this? Check out my best chicken dinners for dishes that are just as bold and comforting.