Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy chicken in the oven. While the oven is preheating, prepare a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Then, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This is important because the wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken pieces as they bake, promoting even cooking and crisping on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still bake directly on the parchment paper, but the bottom might not get as crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is essential for crispy skin. Excess moisture on the chicken will steam in the oven rather than crisp, so make sure the chicken is thoroughly dry. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for flavorful chicken. Season both sides of each piece.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Set up a breading station in three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This is your egg wash. The third dish will be empty and ready to receive the breaded chicken before it goes onto the baking sheet. Having everything set up in advance makes the breading process efficient and less messy.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Press the flour mixture into the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, making sure it is completely submerged. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken again in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to create a thick, even coating. The double dredging in flour, egg, and then flour again is what creates that extra crispy crust. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the wire rack-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even crisping.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. Bone-in chicken will take longer than boneless. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. For bone-in pieces, baking closer to 45 minutes will ensure they are cooked through. For boneless chicken breasts, start checking around 25-30 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying them out.

Step 6: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, honey, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze slightly thickens and the flavors meld together. Simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the glaze to become glossy and syrupy. Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent it from burning. You want it to be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely but not too thick that it becomes sticky or candy-like.

Step 7: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oven. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush each piece of baked chicken with the hot honey glaze, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. If you prefer a more heavily glazed chicken, you can gently toss the baked chicken pieces in the hot honey glaze in a large bowl. Be careful not to overcrowd the bowl and break the crispy coating.

Step 8: Broil for Extra Crispness (Optional)

For an extra crispy and slightly caramelized finish, you can optionally broil the glazed chicken for the last 1-2 minutes. Turn your oven to broil (high setting) and place the baking sheet back in the oven. Watch the chicken very closely as it broils; it can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. Broil just until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized, being careful not to burn the chicken. This step is optional but adds another layer of deliciousness and visual appeal.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the glazed chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to set slightly and the chicken to retain its juices. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and red pepper flakes (if desired) for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!