1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken. If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 inches each. You can also use chicken thighs, which are slightly more tender and flavorful. Once the chicken is cut, season the pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These seasonings add depth and flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. The olive oil helps the breading adhere to the chicken while also promoting a crispy texture during baking.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

To create a crispy, crunchy coating on the chicken, set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and flour. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, which gives them the ability to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Flour is added to help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. The egg wash will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Bread the Chicken Pieces

Take each piece of seasoned chicken and dip it first into the beaten egg, making sure it is well-coated. Then, transfer the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs stick. The goal is to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the crunchy breadcrumb mixture.

Once all the chicken pieces are breaded, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces are not touching each other. This spacing will help the chicken cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

4. Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior without the need for frying. Place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Halfway through the baking process, flip the chicken pieces to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. You’ll notice the breadcrumbs becoming golden and crispy as they bake, giving the chicken a perfect texture.

5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is well combined and warmed through. The honey should become slightly thinner as it heats, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly when applied.

Taste the glaze and adjust the heat level as needed. If you prefer more heat, you can add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter glaze, add a little extra honey to balance out the spiciness.

6. Coat the Chicken in the Hot Honey Glaze

Once the chicken is fully baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. Be generous with the glaze, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated with the sweet and spicy sauce. Alternatively, you can toss the chicken pieces in the glaze to evenly coat them, making sure each piece gets the perfect amount of flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy

After glazing the chicken, let it sit for a minute or two for the glaze to set. Then, serve the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness, if desired.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes. The combination of the crispy chicken and the sweet heat of the hot honey glaze will have your taste buds dancing with delight.