Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Delight Straight from the Oven

If you’re on the hunt for a bold, flavorful dish that combines crunch, heat, and a touch of sweetness, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect answer. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this version is oven-baked to golden perfection, making it a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative. The recipe relies on a cornflake crust that delivers an irresistibly crispy texture, while a homemade hot honey drizzle infuses the dish with complex sweet and spicy notes. The result is a crowd-pleasing favorite that hits every note: savory, spicy, crunchy, and just sweet enough to balance the heat.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prep, this chicken dish brings restaurant-level flavor without the hassle of deep frying. The hot honey adds a gourmet twist, while the use of common pantry ingredients ensures it’s accessible and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a spice lover or someone looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe checks all the boxes. And with options to make it gluten-free or adjust the heat level, it’s easily customizable for different tastes and dietary needs. Get ready to turn your kitchen into the best chicken spot in town—no fryer required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Without Frying – The cornflake coating bakes up ultra-crispy without the need for deep-frying, making it healthier and less messy.
2. Bold Flavor – A mix of smoked paprika, garlic, and parmesan ensures every bite is packed with taste.
3. Sweet-Heat Perfection – The hot honey sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, elevating the dish to a gourmet level.
4. Easy to Make – With simple steps and pantry ingredients, it’s weeknight-dinner friendly.
5. Versatile and Customizable – You can tweak the heat level, use different herbs, or even swap the chicken cuts to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• Cornflakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Hot sauce
• Chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Honey
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle chili powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh herbs (thyme, cilantro, or parsley)

Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free cornflakes.
• Try other cuts: Swap tenderloins for chicken thighs or drumsticks.
• Mild version: Reduce or omit the cayenne and chipotle powder in the honey.
• Air fryer option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer for even quicker results.
• Add a smoky twist: Mix a bit of liquid smoke into the hot honey for extra depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs. Mix them in a bowl with grated parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mix

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the hot sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the egg mixture, then into the cornflake mixture, pressing to coat well.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until combined.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crush the cornflakes finely for better adhesion and crispiness.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the coating set.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this ensures even crisping.
• Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
• Warm the hot honey just before serving to keep it pourable and flavorful.

How to Serve

• Serve with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
• Pile onto a sandwich bun with pickles and slaw for a spicy chicken sandwich.
• Slice and serve over a salad for a high-protein lunch.
• Pair with cornbread or biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.
• Add to a rice bowl with avocado, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the hot honey separately.

Freezing

Freeze the baked (not yet drizzled) chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer to restore crispiness. Warm the hot honey separately before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and offer more juiciness.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free cornflakes.

3. How spicy is the hot honey?

You control the spice—adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce to your preference.

4. Can I make the hot honey in advance?

Yes, store it in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week.

5. Can I air-fry the chicken?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. Can I skip the parmesan?

Yes, but it adds great flavor. You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

7. What can I use instead of cornflakes?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work, though the texture will vary.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through cooking.

9. How do I make it kid-friendly?

Reduce or omit the hot spices and serve the honey separately.

10. Can I serve the hot honey cold?

It’s best warm, but it’s still flavorful when cooled.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a comfort meal: crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet—all baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers gourmet flavor with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. With room to customize and variations to suit all palates, it’s a go-to chicken recipe you’ll come back to again and again. So turn up the heat, drizzle on that honey, and dig into your new favorite dinner.

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