If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavor, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, Baked Hot Honey Chicken should be at the top of your list. This crave-worthy recipe features tender, juicy chicken baked until golden, then glazed with a mouthwatering hot honey sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and tang in each bite.
Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner, trying new hot honey recipes ideas, or searching for tasty things to make with honey, this dish delivers. Plus, with minimal hands-on time and pantry staples, it’s a weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Effortless and oven-baked – no messy deep frying required.
- A complete meal – pair with roasted veggies, rice, or salad.
- Perfectly balanced flavor – spicy, sweet, sticky, and savory.
- Meal prep friendly – great for reheating or turning into sandwiches and bowls.
- Family-friendly – easily adjustable heat levels for kids and adults.
From weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining, this baked hot chicken recipe is versatile and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the ultimate Baked Hot Honey Chicken at home.
🔥 What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a fusion of honey and chili – sweet with a gentle or fiery kick, depending on your preference. The concept has taken off in kitchens across the globe for its ability to elevate everything from pizza and cornbread to fried chicken and grilled veggies.
In this recipe, we take that addictive combination and use it to glaze perfectly baked chicken, creating a crispy, sticky, sweet-spicy dish that’s pure comfort food.
🍯 Ingredients for Baked Hot Honey Chicken
This recipe uses a blend of simple pantry ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
🧑🍳 How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp up during baking.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Massage the seasonings in well to coat evenly.
Place the seasoned chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, skin side up.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and golden, slightly crispy skin.
Tip: For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until the honey is thinned out and the mixture is simmering slightly — about 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and silky.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Once the chicken is baked, brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, just enough to let the glaze caramelize slightly.
Remove from the oven and brush again with more sauce if desired.
🍽️ How to Serve Baked Hot Honey Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for complete meals or fun twists like wraps and bowls. Here are some ideas:
1. Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
Toss chopped baked chicken over creamy mac and cheese, garlic butter pasta, or even a lemony orzo for a spicy-sweet pasta dinner.
2. Rice Bowls
Serve your chicken over jasmine or brown rice with roasted broccoli, pickled red onions, and avocado for a well-rounded, nutritious bowl.
3. Chicken Sliders or Sandwiches
Layer the hot honey chicken on toasted brioche buns with slaw and spicy mayo. Perfect for game day or casual dinners.
4. Fresh Salads
Add slices of chicken to a hearty salad with arugula, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying meal.
🥗 Side Dishes to Pair
Not sure what to serve with it? Here are some amazing sides that complement the spicy-sweet profile of Baked Hot Honey Chicken:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
- Buttered corn on the cob
- Chilled cucumber salad
- Coleslaw or broccoli slaw
- Mac and cheese
💡 Tips for Success
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken
The skin locks in moisture, adds flavor, and crisps up beautifully. You can also use boneless skinless thighs or breasts, but adjust the baking time (25–30 mins).
Customize the Heat Level
Control the spice by adjusting the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Want a mild version? Use less hot sauce and skip the chili flakes.
Make It Ahead
You can marinate and bake the chicken ahead of time, then reheat and glaze just before serving. This makes it great for meal prep or entertaining.
🍗 Recipe Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are some fun ways to remix this dish:
🔶 Hot Honey Mustard Chicken
Mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the glaze for a tangy kick that plays beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes.
🔶 Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Use wingettes or drumettes, bake until crispy, then toss in the glaze. Perfect for parties or appetizers.
🔶 Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Bread chicken strips with panko, bake until golden, then dip in the hot honey sauce. Ideal for kids and adults alike!
🌿 Make It Healthier
Looking for a lighter or healthier take? Here are some simple swaps:
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Air fry the chicken instead of baking for extra crispiness with less oil.
- Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a refined sugar-free option (though this alters the flavor slightly).
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Baked Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warm.
The hot honey glaze can also be stored separately and reheated gently before serving.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for All Occasions
This dish is:
- Kid-friendly (just reduce the spice)
- Dinner-party worthy
- Great for potlucks and picnics
- A fun twist on traditional honey buffalo chicken
- An excellent go-to for when you want fun dishes to make for dinner without spending hours in the kitchen
❤️ Final Thoughts
Baked Hot Honey Chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes — sweet, spicy, crispy, tender, and absolutely addictive. It’s one of those complete meals that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re making it for your family, your partner, or just yourself, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll transform ordinary chicken into something unforgettable. And with the flexibility to go mild or wild with the heat, you can adapt it to everyone’s taste.
So grab that honey, turn up the heat, and get ready for your new favorite chicken recipe!
📌 Don’t Forget to Pin & Share!
If you try this Baked Hot Honey Chicken, share your photos and tag us! It helps more food lovers discover this irresistible dish. 💛
