1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. If using thick chicken breasts, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for more even cooking.

3. Set Up Breading Station:

• Prepare three shallow dishes.
• In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional smoked paprika. Whisk together.
• In the second dish, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
• In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

4. Bread the Chicken:

• Working with one piece of chicken at a time, first dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Next, dip the floured chicken completely into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
• Finally, press the egg-coated chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides completely. Press gently to help the panko adhere well.

5. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle very lightly with olive oil. This helps the Panko brown and crisp.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), the juices run clear, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

• While the chicken is baking during the last 5-10 minutes, prepare the hot honey sauce.
• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, just until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and warmed through. Do not boil vigorously.
• Remove from heat and stir in the optional apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, if using.

7. Glaze the Chicken:

• Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
• Immediately drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy baked chicken.
• Alternatively, for more thorough coating, you can place the baked chicken in a large bowl and gently toss it with the warm sauce. (Note: Tossing may slightly soften the crust compared to drizzling).

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the hot honey chicken with fresh chopped parsley and optional sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, if desired.
• Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.