Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Sink your teeth into this irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken—a dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a wildly crispy cornflake coating and a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey. It’s shockingly easy, speeds from oven to table in about 40 minutes, and brings that perfect balance of crunchy, sticky, and savory with every bite. This is the dinner for busy nights when you want huge flavor and zero fuss—get ready for a meal everyone will race to the table for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what to grab for this mouthwatering dish, along with why each ingredient is key:

• Cornflakes: The secret to that addictively crispy crust. Use gluten-free cornflakes if needed.
• Parmesan Cheese: For depth and salty-umami sharpness woven into the breading.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives the coating a gentle smokiness and stunning color.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These bring warm, savory undertones that make the flavors pop.
• Eggs: Help the coating stick—essential for that thick, satisfying crunch.
• Hot Sauce (for chicken + for honey): Adds a touch of tangy fire in both the chicken and the drizzle!
• Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and they bake quickly. Sliced chicken breasts work, too.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzled over before baking for extra golden color and flavor.
• Honey: Forms the base of that sticky-sweet hot honey sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper & Chipotle Chili Powder: Amp up the heat, with smoky chile’s complexity.
• Sea Salt: Don’t skip it; every layer gets a little hit of seasoning!
• Fresh Thyme, Cilantro, or Parsley: A bright, fresh finish—choose your favorite, or mix a few.

Variations

Want to mix things up? This recipe is ridiculously flexible:

• Milder Version: Dial down the cayenne and hot sauce for a gentler heat.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Any gluten-free flake cereal works just as well as cornflakes.
• Cheese Swap: Try grated Pecorino or cheddar for a different cheesy note.
• Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes—you’ll get extra crunch and even less cleanup.
• Add Extra Herbs: Stir Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence into your crumb mix for a different herby flavor profile.
• More Heat: Use a few dashes of your favorite super-hot sauce, or even a pinch of chili flakes right in the coating.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for thick strips of tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based feast.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps the chicken crisp up without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

Crush the cornflakes (a food processor makes this fast; a zip bag and rolling pin work in a pinch). Mix them with parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Beat the eggs and hot sauce together in a bowl. Toss in the chicken tenderloins, making sure they’re well coated. Next, dredge each piece in the cornflake crumbs, pressing down for maximum coverage. For ultra crunch: double dip in egg and crumbs.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Arrange the chicken in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each piece lightly with olive oil (don’t skip—this helps them get crispy and golden!). Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re cooked through and the crust is crisp all around.

Step 5: Stir Up the Hot Honey

Just before the chicken’s done, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, onion and garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm until just bubbling—don’t boil. If it thickens too much, a quick zap in the microwave brings it back to drizzle-perfect.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Drizzle the glorious hot honey over your piping hot chicken. Top with chopped fresh herbs and serve right away.

How to Serve

This chicken shines on its own, straight from the oven, but it’s also fantastic:

• With a Side Salad: Bright, crisp greens with a citrusy vinaigrette give a lovely contrast.
• Next to Mashed Potatoes: That hot honey drizzles right over the top.
• In a Sandwich: Stuff into a soft bun with pickles and slaw.
• With Waffles: Go wild and make a sweet-and-spicy chicken and waffles platter.
• For Dipping: More hot honey on the side, plus ranch or blue cheese if you love cool-creamy dips.

Tip: For parties, slice the tenders into bite-size pieces and serve with toothpicks—guaranteed crowd favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crunch is best fresh, but you’ll still get plenty on day two.

Freezing

Arrange cooked (and cooled) chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag; freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes—this brings the coating back to life. Drizzle with extra hot honey just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Few weeknight dinners promise so much flavor for so little effort as this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Crisp, tender, and finished with a warm, sticky drizzle, each bite is pure joy. There’s no need for deep frying or fancy tricks—just honest, delicious food the whole family will crave. Give it a try, don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste, and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

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