Sizzling Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners get a delightful upgrade with this baked hot honey chicken that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and sweet.

The golden-brown coating crackles with each bite, promising a flavor explosion.

Honey drizzled over perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the entire dish.

Tender meat meets a crunchy exterior, making every forkful irresistible.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this delectable meal.

FAQs

• Why use cornflakes for the coating?

Cornflakes provide a super crispy texture and create a golden, crunchy exterior that’s way more exciting than traditional breadcrumbs. They help the chicken get that perfect crackly bite without deep frying.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of hot sauce in both the egg mixture and the final sauce. Start with less and add more to match your personal spice tolerance.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

The key is not to overcook. Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, which usually takes 20-25 minutes. The egg coating and quick baking time help lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Hot Honey Chicken Crowd Pleaser

• Spice Up Family Meals: Transform boring weeknight dinners with this crunchy, flavor-packed chicken that brings excitement to the table and makes everyone cheer.
• Quick Kitchen Victory: Minimal prep and simple ingredients mean you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or hours of cooking.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily adjust the heat level by playing with hot sauce quantities, making this recipe perfect for different spice tolerances in your household.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: The cornflake coating creates an irresistibly crispy exterior that guarantees clean plates and happy diners of all ages.

Hot Honey Chicken Ingredient List

• Cornflakes: Provides a crunchy exterior for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra flavor and helps create a crispy coating.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Eggs, Hot Sauce: Create a sticky base for the coating to adhere to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

• Honey, Hot Sauce, Cayenne, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Combine to create a spicy and sweet hot honey sauce.

• Herbs: Provide a fresh garnish to the finished dish.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Hot Honey Chicken Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 425° F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect chicken landing.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

Grab your food processor or a sturdy Ziplock bag.

Combine cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Pulse or crush until you have fine, crispy crumbs.

Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl for coating.

Step 3: Egg and Spice Bath

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and hot sauce together.

Add chicken pieces and gently toss until every inch is coated with zesty goodness.

Step 4: Coat and Prepare Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the crumb mixture, ensuring total coverage.

For extra crunch, double-dip by returning to egg mixture and then back to crumbs.

Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil over the top to help achieve golden, crispy perfection.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Brilliance

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp.

Step 6: Craft Spicy Honey Glaze

While chicken bakes, create a tantalizing sauce.

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Warm the ingredients together, stirring until well blended.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Once chicken is done, drizzle the warm honey sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.

If sauce thickens, briefly warm in microwave.

Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, spicy, sweet sensation!

Pro Tips for Hot Honey Chicken

• Double-coat chicken in egg wash and crumbs for an extra crunchy exterior that'll make every bite satisfying.
• Drizzle olive oil lightly to help the coating brown evenly without scorching the cornflake crust.
• Reheat sauce briefly in microwave if it thickens, ensuring a smooth, pourable drizzle over the chicken.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the rich, spicy honey sauce.
• Pulse cornflakes in food processor or crush in sealed bag to create fine, uniform crumbs for maximum coating coverage.

Hot Honey Chicken Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Replace cornflakes with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Keep spices and cooking method identical.
• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Swap hot sauce with harissa paste and use za'atar spice blend instead of paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Herb-Infused Coating Chicken: Replace cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Use buttermilk instead of eggs for extra tenderness and tangy flavor.
• Air Fryer Lean Protein Option: Transfer entire recipe to air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Reduce olive oil to minimal spray for lower-fat preparation while maintaining crispy texture.

Serving Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Game Night Companion: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato wedges or loaded nachos for a crowd-pleasing spread that elevates your chicken to party food status.
• Zesty Brunch Twist: Nestle the hot honey chicken atop fluffy waffles or buttermilk biscuits, drizzling extra sauce for a decadent morning meal that packs flavor punch.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Slice chicken and scatter over mixed greens with cucumber, avocado, and a light ranch or blue cheese dressing to create a lighter, refreshing meal option.
• Dipping Delight: Create a quick dipping station with ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey sauce on the side for guests who love customizing their chicken experience.

Storing Hot Honey Chicken Right

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy coating.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing with sauce to maintain crispiness.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken on baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Drizzle fresh hot honey sauce before serving to restore moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a sprinkle of water to maintain crunchiness and prevent dryness.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy sweet Honey Chicken delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort with crispy golden coating and irresistible heat. Zesty glazed chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will satisfy cravings and spark excitement at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• 2 large eggs

Breading and Seasoning:

• 6 cups cornflakes
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Honey Glaze and Garnish:

• 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
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• fresh thyme
• cilantro
• parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal chicken crispiness.
2. Create a crunchy coating by pulverizing cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a food processor until achieving fine, uniform crumbs. If a processor isn’t available, crush ingredients thoroughly in a sealed Ziplock bag.
3. Whisk eggs with hot sauce, then thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Transfer chicken into the prepared crumb mixture, pressing gently to create a comprehensive, even crust. For maximum crunchiness, repeat the egg and crumb dredging process.
5. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken to enhance golden browning.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until chicken reaches a deep golden color and crisp exterior.
7. While chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Warm gently until ingredients meld together.
8. Once chicken is done, immediately drizzle warm sauce over the crispy pieces. Garnish with fresh herbs for added brightness and serve immediately.
9. If sauce thickens, briefly reheat in microwave for 5 seconds before final serving.

Notes

• Customize cornflake coating by experimenting with different crushed cereals or breadcrumbs for unique texture variations.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour instead of traditional breading.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying hot sauce quantity or selecting milder/hotter sauces to suit personal heat preferences.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer for precision cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg