Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together all your favorite elements of crispy chicken with a deliciously addictive hot honey sauce. The cornflake crust is wonderfully crunchy, providing a satisfying texture, while the chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside. The hot honey sauce, made with honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and chipotle chili powder, brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will keep you coming back for more. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free, if needed)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

1/2 cup honey
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly drizzle it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the cornflake coating: In a large bowl, crush the cornflakes into smaller pieces (you can use your hands or a rolling pin). Add the grated parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the cornflakes, mixing until evenly combined.
3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce until well combined.
4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat it with the cornflake mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the chicken: Drizzle the chicken with a little extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. You can flip the chicken halfway through for even crispiness.
6. Make the hot honey: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Serve: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley.
8. Enjoy: Serve the baked crunchy hot honey chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the flavorful crunch and sweet-spicy kick!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
• Cornflake Coating: Try using panko breadcrumbs for a different type of crunch.
• Hot Honey Sauce: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this dish entirely gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of honey for the sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of honey you prefer, but a good-quality, mild honey will work best for the hot honey sauce.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not be as crunchy as the cornflakes. You can also use crushed crackers for a similar effect.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the hot honey sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the chicken before baking for extra spice.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips or pieces. Just adjust the baking time, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal crunchiness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make this recipe without hot sauce?

If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the hot sauce from both the coating and the hot honey sauce. The chicken will still be flavorful, and you can drizzle the hot honey sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can fry the chicken in hot oil (about 350°F or 175°C) for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Can I use fresh herbs in the hot honey sauce?

Fresh herbs can be added to the hot honey sauce at the end of cooking, but for best flavor, we recommend using dried spices during the cooking process and fresh herbs as a garnish.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken even crispier, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and cornflake coating before baking.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a perfect dish for those who love a little sweet and heat in their meals. The crispy, golden crust made from cornflakes provides an irresistible crunch, while the hot honey glaze gives each piece a kick of flavor. Whether served for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe will definitely become a favorite in your household. Easy to make, full of flavor, and with a healthy twist on a classic comfort food, this chicken is sure to impress.

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