Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a fiery, flavor-packed dish that delivers everything you crave in comfort food—crispy coating, juicy meat, and a spicy-sweet glaze that’ll leave your taste buds tingling. It’s a bold twist on a classic baked chicken recipe, taking the oven-baked route to crispy perfection while keeping things lighter than traditional frying. The coating of crushed cornflakes mixed with parmesan and spices gives every bite a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey drizzle adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to turn a simple chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy experience. You don’t need deep fryers or long prep times—just a few pantry staples, some spice, and an oven. The hot honey glaze takes things to another level with layers of flavor from hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, and garlic. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or looking to impress guests, this dish delivers every time. It’s also flexible—you can adjust the spice to your liking and pair it with a variety of sides, from salads to mac and cheese. It’s baked, not fried, but still wildly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Without Frying: Cornflakes make a crunchy crust that rivals any deep-fried chicken.
2. Bold, Sweet-Heat Flavor: The hot honey brings irresistible spicy-sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
3. Oven-Baked and Healthier: No need for oil-heavy frying—this recipe keeps things lighter.
4. Quick and Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and fast steps make it perfect for weeknights.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken

• Cornflakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Hot sauce
• Chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil

Hot Honey

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Increase cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the hot honey.
• Mild Version: Use less hot sauce and skip the cayenne for a kid-friendly dish.
• Buttermilk Marinade: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours to tenderize it further.
• Different Coatings: Try crushed pretzels, panko, or gluten-free crackers instead of cornflakes.
• Chicken Thighs or Wings: Substitute tenderloins with thighs or wings for a juicier bite.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.

Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes

Add cornflakes to a zip-top bag and crush them finely. Transfer to a bowl and mix with parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and hot sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the cornflake mixture. Press to adhere the coating well.

Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle

Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help it crisp.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Warm until thin and pourable.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey over the top and garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a food processor for quick cornflake crushing.
• Don’t skip the drizzle of oil—it’s essential for that baked crispiness.
• Make sure chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to keep the chicken crispy on all sides.
• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices overnight.

How to Serve

Serve hot with a generous drizzle of hot honey and fresh herbs. Great pairings include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a cool cucumber salad. It’s also delicious in a sandwich or on top of a crisp salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the hot honey separately.

Freezing

Freeze the breaded (but unbaked) chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay juicy—just adjust cooking time as needed.

2. What if I don’t have cornflakes?

You can substitute with crushed panko breadcrumbs, crackers, or even potato chips.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free cornflakes and check that your hot sauce and other seasonings are gluten-free.

4. Can I make the hot honey less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne and chipotle powder for a milder version.

5. Can I air fry the chicken?

Definitely. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the outside should be golden and crispy.

7. Can I prep this in advance?

You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking.

8. What’s the best hot sauce for this?

Any works, but try Frank’s RedHot or your favorite cayenne-based variety for the best balance of heat and flavor.

9. Is this dish good cold?

It’s best hot, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold in wraps or salads.

10. Can I make a dipping sauce for it?

Absolutely—try ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the heat.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate balance of crispy texture and bold flavor—without the guilt of frying. It’s easy to make, full of exciting spices, and delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle sets it apart, making it a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a family or spicing up your weekly dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it once, and you’ll crave it again and again.

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