Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Looking for a dish that adds a fiery flair to your Thanksgiving table? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines crispy, golden-baked chicken with a luscious drizzle of homemade hot honey for a flavor-packed centerpiece. It’s a standout among traditional Thanksgiving recipes—easy, exciting, and irresistibly crunchy.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this sweet, spicy, and savory baked chicken masterpiece:

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crunchy Coating:

• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)

the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey

• 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this dish with ease and precision, you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowls

• Baking sheet

• Wire rack (optional, but recommended for even crisping)

• Saucepan (for the hot honey)

• Pastry brush (for drizzling the honey evenly)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Ziplock bag or food processor (for crushing cornflakes)

 Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for more flavor and tenderness.

2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

3: Coat the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Press each piece into the crunchy mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides. Place on the prepared rack.

4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake the coated chicken in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken halfway through for even browning.

5: Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until well combined. Do not boil. Set aside.

Step 6: Drizzle & Serve

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

 Helpful Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

• Make it ahead: You can marinate the chicken overnight and prep the coating mix in advance. This makes the final assembly quick and easy on busy holidays.

• No wire rack? No problem. Use a parchment-lined sheet pan and flip the chicken halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy.

• Extra-crispy tip: Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil spray before baking to enhance crispiness.

• Adjust the heat: Control the spice level of the hot honey by using more or less hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Serving idea: This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even cornbread stuffing—perfect for an unconventional yet crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving recipe twist.

 Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Thigh with Hot Honey)

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Sugars: 10g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

 A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers the comfort of classic baked chicken with a bold, flavorful upgrade. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or spicing up your Thanksgiving recipes lineup, this dish will impress with its combination of crispy texture, sweet heat, and ease of preparation.

Don’t settle for the same old holiday spread—bring something fresh, modern, and undeniably delicious to the table. Give it a try, share the joy, and make this unforgettable chicken the star of your next feast!