Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors—this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer for anyone craving the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Instead of deep-frying, this recipe takes a healthier approach by baking the chicken, yet still delivers an incredibly crispy texture thanks to a clever coating of crushed cornflakes and parmesan. Drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce infused with smoky, spicy, and savory notes, this dish will impress anyone who loves a good flavor kick.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual entertaining, this chicken is quick to prep and full of satisfying textures. The outer crunch contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender inside, and the sticky hot honey adds an addictive layer of flavor. Best of all, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Whether you’re serving it up with sides or slicing it into a sandwich, this recipe is bound to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Baked, Not Fried – You get all the crunch and flavor without the oil splatter or heavy grease.
2. Packed with Flavor – The combination of smoky paprika, parmesan, and hot honey creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
3. Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal steps make it perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Customizable Heat Levels – Adjust the spice to your preference, from mild to fiery.
5. Great for Entertaining – This dish is crowd-pleasing, visually appealing, and easy to scale for a group.

Ingredients

• 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

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Boneless Thighs: Swap in chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the coated chicken in the air fryer for a faster, even crispier finish.
• Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the hot honey for more intense heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflake Coating

Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs and combine with parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

Step 2: Make the Egg Wash

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

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Arrange and Drizzle

Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to help crisp up the coating.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is 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 sea salt in a saucepan. Warm gently until smooth and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

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

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crush cornflakes finely for a more even and crisp coating.
• Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle—it enhances the crunch during baking.
• Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
• Preheat the oven fully before baking for best results.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before drizzling with honey to maintain texture.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
• In a Sandwich: Slice and layer into a toasted bun with pickles and slaw.
• As a Salad Topper: Slice and serve over a bed of greens with a creamy dressing.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with dipping sauces.
• With Waffles: Go full comfort food with a sweet-savory chicken and waffles combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze cooked and cooled chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer until hot and crispy—avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier bite.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cornflakes.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

4. How spicy is the hot honey?

The heat is adjustable—use less cayenne or hot sauce for a milder version.

5. Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Yes, coat the chicken and store it in the fridge up to a day ahead. Bake when ready.

6. What can I use instead of cornflakes?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers are good substitutes, though texture will vary.

7. Can I air fry instead of bake?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce the spice in the hot honey to suit younger palates.

9. What kind of hot sauce works best?

A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s or Crystal works great for both the coating and the honey.

10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

This recipe is best with raw chicken for proper breading and texture; pre-cooked isn’t recommended.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you want in a comfort food meal—crispy, tender, spicy, and sweet. It’s easy to make, versatile to serve, and sure to impress with its bold flavor and golden crust. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a batch for guests, this recipe delivers serious satisfaction without the need for deep frying. Add it to your rotation and enjoy a healthier spin on a crave-worthy classic.

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