Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings joy to the dinner table, you’ve found it in this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, combining the irresistible crunch of cornflakes with a spicy-sweet glaze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And trust me, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds at family gatherings!

The best part? You can whip this up in just 40 minutes! So whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this baked chicken will surely become a new favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With only a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture and sweet-spicy flavor!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the chicken ahead of time and bake it right before mealtime.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a fun game-day spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken are simple and wholesome. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!

For the Chicken Coating

• 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

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand or adjust to your taste.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins for even juicier bites.
• Change up the spice: Add your favorite spices or use different hot sauces to customize the heat level.
• Try different coatings: Instead of cornflakes, experiment with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a unique crunch.
• Add some veggies: Toss some broccoli or bell peppers on the baking sheet alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later!

Step 2: Make the Cornflake Coating

In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor handy, simply place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them with your hands or feet—it’s quite therapeutic! Pour those lovely crumbs into a shallow bowl; they’re going to make our chicken so crunchy!

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

In another bowl, beat together the eggs and hot sauce. Toss in those tenderloins and coat them well. This step is key for ensuring that our crunchy coating sticks perfectly! Next, dredge each piece of chicken through the cornflake crumbs until fully coated. If you’re feeling adventurous and want an extra-thick layer of crunchiness, dip them back in the egg mixture and then back into the crumbs again!

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Place your coated chicken on that prepared baking sheet and give them a light drizzle of olive oil. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until everything is golden brown and crispy all around. The aroma will start filling your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!

Step 5: Make Your Hot Honey Sauce

Just before your chicken finishes cooking, let’s whip up that sweet hot honey sauce! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until warmed through—this step takes just a few minutes but adds so much flavor!

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once your chicken is done baking to perfection, remove it from the oven and drizzle that warm sauce over each piece generously. Top with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra pop of flavor! If your sauce thickens too much while waiting, just give it a quick zap in the microwave for about five seconds.

And there you have it—your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is ready to be devoured! Enjoy every crispy bite with friends or family; I guarantee they will love it!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Making baked crunchy hot honey chicken can be a fun and easy experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices make all the difference in flavor. Using quality ingredients ensures that your dish tastes amazing and elevates the overall dining experience.
• Don’t rush the baking: Allow the chicken to bake until it’s crispy all around. This not only provides that delightful crunch but also helps lock in moisture, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
• Experiment with hot sauce: Different hot sauces can bring unique flavors to your dish. Try varying the type of hot sauce to adjust the heat level or add a new flavor profile that you enjoy.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and coat it with the cornflake mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great way to save time during busy weeknights!
• Adjust spice levels: If you’re serving guests with varied spice tolerances, consider offering the hot honey sauce on the side. This way, everyone can enjoy it at their own heat level!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serving baked crunchy hot honey chicken is all about presentation and pairing it with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and delicious!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley on top for a vibrant touch that adds both flavor and color.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the dish and complements the honey’s sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli roasted with olive oil and spices provide a colorful complement to your chicken.
• Creamy coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and freshness to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs offers a comforting base that absorbs any extra sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
• Sweet potato fries: These crispy sweet treats are not only delicious but also add a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spicy honey sauce.

Enjoy your meal! With these tips on serving and sides, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is perfect for meal prep! It stays delicious even after being stored, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lunches on the go.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool completely.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375° F.
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens before using.

How spicy is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less cayenne pepper and hot sauce, and gradually add more to find your perfect balance!

Can I use other types of chicken for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks, just adjust the cooking time as needed until they reach an internal temperature of 165° F.

What sides pair well with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to balance out its spiciness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken! It’s a dish that brings smiles around the dinner table, whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight meal. Enjoy every crunchy bite and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations. Happy cooking!