Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch. The crispy cornflake crust gives the chicken a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey sauce adds an irresistible kick of heat and sweetness. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With a touch of smoky chipotle chili powder and a drizzle of spicy honey, it’s a flavorful twist on classic chicken that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
-
3 cups crushed cornflakes
-
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
-
1 tablespoon onion powder
-
1 tablespoon garlic powder
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
2 tablespoons hot sauce
-
1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
-
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Hot Honey Sauce:
-
1/2 cup honey
-
2 tablespoons hot sauce
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon 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
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the coating: In a food processor, crush the cornflakes. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, then pulse until well combined.
-
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs mixed with hot sauce, then dredge in the cornflake mixture. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the eggs and crumbs.
-
Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crispy.
-
Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until warmed through and smooth.
-
Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25 minutes
-
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
-
For extra crunch: Add some panko breadcrumbs to the cornflake mixture for an even crunchier texture.
-
Spicy adjustments: Increase the cayenne or add jalapeño powder to the hot honey sauce for more heat.
-
Air fryer method: You can also cook the chicken in an air fryer for about 20 minutes at 400°F for a crispier result.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also use the air fryer to reheat for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook than tenderloins.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is already naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornflakes. Just be sure to check the labels of any other ingredients.
Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it up before serving.
Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?
Cornflakes provide the best crunch, but you could experiment with other cereals like rice crispies or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What sides go well with hot honey chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper or include some chopped fresh chili peppers in the hot honey sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Can I bake the chicken without oil?
You can bake the chicken without oil, but it helps to crisp up the coating. For a healthier option, you can use a light spray of olive oil instead of drizzling.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken after it has cooled. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best result.
Is it possible to use a different hot sauce?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce for the recipe, whether it’s mild or super spicy, to adjust the heat level.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. With its crispy coating and flavorful honey sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and offers a delicious twist on classic baked chicken. Whether served with fries or a salad, it’s a meal everyone will love.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce. Coated in crunchy cornflakes and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- Olive oil for drizzling
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Fresh herbs (thyme, cilantro, or parsley) for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Coating:
- Crush cornflakes and mix with parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Dip chicken in a mixture of beaten eggs and hot sauce, then coat in the cornflake mixture. For a thicker crust, dip the chicken back into the egg and crumbs for a second coat.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- While chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt in a saucepan. Warm over low heat.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle hot honey sauce over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve with sweet potato fries for a delicious pairing.
- Adjust the heat of the sauce to your liking.
