Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate weeknight dinner or looking to impress your taste buds with a perfect combo of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken, dressed in a shatteringly crisp cornflake crust, then drizzled with a warm, fiery honey sauce—with every bite, you get juicy chicken wrapped in irresistible flavor. The best part? It’s baked, not fried, so you get all the crunch without any of the fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken has everyone coming back for seconds (and asking for the recipe!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken couldn’t be easier, and every single one has a purpose. From the cornflakes that bring golden crunch to the blend of spices and cheese that add incredible flavor, these staples will make each bite a little celebration.

• Cornflakes: The secret to an extra-crispy coating—be sure to crush them finely for the best texture (gluten free works, too!).
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory kick and helps the coating adhere.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle, smokey depth that pairs perfectly with the hot honey.
• Onion Powder: Adds gentle, aromatic savoriness to both chicken and honey sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Layers in warm, robust flavor from the inside out.
• Large Eggs: Designed to help the cornflake crumbs stick and create a golden crust.
• Hot Sauce: Injects the marinade and honey drizzle with tangy heat—use your favorite brand!
• Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and sized just right for perfect portions.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little drizzle before baking keeps every piece moist and extra crisp.
• Honey: The heart of the hot honey sauce—go for a good quality clover or wildflower variety if you can.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to preference for big, bold heat in your sauce.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Gives the sauce smoky spice and a beautiful, deep color.
• Sea Salt: Pulls together all the flavors in both your crispy coating and your sauce.
• Fresh Thyme, Cilantro, or Parsley: These optional herbs add a fresh, green finish right before serving.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 425° F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for that signature crunch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup to a minimum and helps the chicken bake up beautifully golden without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cornflake Crumb Coating

Pop your cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of sea salt into a food processor. Pulse everything together until you have fine, even crumbs. No food processor? No worries—toss everything in a zip-top bag and crush it old-school style (standing on it works wonders!). Pour those flavorful crumbs into a shallow bowl for easy dredging.

Step 3: Marinate and Dredge the Chicken

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in hot sauce. Add your chicken tenderloins and toss them until every piece is coated—this not only helps the crunchy layer stick, it infuses every bite with subtle heat and tang. Take each piece of chicken and press it firmly into the cornflake mixture, turning to fully coat. For extra crunch, double dip: repeat the egg and crumb process once more.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle everything lightly with extra virgin olive oil—this crucial step helps achieve maximum crispiness in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once if you’d like, until the chicken is golden brown and irresistibly crisp on all sides.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is finishing up, bring together the hot honey magic. In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Warm gently until everything is beautifully blended, fragrant, and pourable. If the sauce thickens as it sits, just give it a quick zap in the microwave until it loosens up.

Step 6: Drizzle and Finish

Right when the chicken comes out of the oven, generously drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Now comes the best part—dig in and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and crispy glory that is truly Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkling your freshly baked chicken with fragrant herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley doesn’t just make it pretty—it adds a gentle pop of freshness to counter the rich, spicy sweetness of the hot honey. For extra flair, a zest of lemon or a few thinly sliced green onions are welcome, too.

Side Dishes

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken plays well with just about anything! Try it piled over fluffy mashed potatoes, served alongside crisp slaw, or with oven-roasted veggies for a complete, color-packed plate. Even a light arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon is a perfect partner to balance the heat and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, slice the chicken into strips and serve as finger-friendly party bites with a bowl of hot honey for dipping. Or, make a sandwich by layering the chicken onto a toasted brioche bun with pickles and slaw. For a fun twist, top a green salad or grain bowl with slices of this chicken and a big drizzle of extra hot honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, wait to drizzle with the hot honey until just before serving, so the coating stays crisp.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully: let pieces cool completely, then lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just remember to freeze the sauce separately or make it fresh each time.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in a 400° F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Drizzle with freshly warmed hot honey right before serving for peak flavor!

FAQs

Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even drumsticks or wings—just adjust the baking time to suit the cut you choose, making sure the internal temperature hits 165° F.

Is there a good substitute for cornflakes if I’m out?

Yes! Panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal can work in a pinch, but keep in mind that cornflakes deliver that distinctly golden, crunchy texture that makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken so irresistible.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

This one’s entirely up to you! Taste as you go and adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the honey drizzle—add less for a gentle warmth, or go all-in if you love things extra spicy. The sweetness of the honey always balances the heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead for entertaining?

Definitely! You can bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge (unbaked) for several hours. The hot honey sauce can be mixed ahead and gently rewarmed when ready to serve. Assemble and drizzle just before your guests arrive for the freshest results.

Is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken gluten free?

If you use gluten-free cornflakes, the recipe is entirely gluten free. Always double-check the packaging on your parmesan and hot sauces, though, as sometimes hidden gluten ingredients can sneak in.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken and taste that magical combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite. It’s the kind of meal that instantly brightens up a weeknight (yet feels special enough for a celebration!). Give it a go—your dinner table will thank you!

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