Let’s get into the details of how to make this irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Don’t worry—it’s super simple!

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.

2. Prepare the chicken:

• If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and ensures they get crispy.
• Season both sides of the chicken with a little salt and pepper.

3. Set up your dredging station:

• In one shallow dish, add the flour.
• In a second dish, beat the eggs.
• In a third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken its incredible crunchy coating.

4. Coat the chicken:

• First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every part is covered. The combination of Panko and Parmesan will create that golden, crunchy texture we’re going for.

5. Bake the chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet. Spray them lightly with olive oil spray—this helps the breadcrumbs crisp up in the oven.
• Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Make the hot honey glaze:

• While the chicken is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the honey thins out slightly and the chili flakes infuse the sauce with their heat.
• Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more chili flakes if you want a spicier glaze.

7. Drizzle the hot honey:

• When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in the juices.
• Generously drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for those who prefer a milder flavor.

8. Serve and enjoy:

• Plate up your crispy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy Baked Hot Honey Chicken, and watch your family devour it!