Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with irresistible crunch, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken tenderloins are coated in crispy cornflakes, baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that’s perfectly sweet with just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends at a weekend dinner, this recipe delivers the type of delicious comfort everyone keeps asking for again and again. Get ready to fall in love with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients for this recipe, but each one plays a vital role in building flavor, crunch, and that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze. From pantry staples to crowd-pleasing classics, here’s what makes this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken absolutely shine:

• Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes bring unbeatable crispy texture and a light, toasty flavor to every bite.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth that melts slightly in the oven for extra richness.
• Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken coating.
• Onion powder: Boosts the savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic powder: Keeps the flavors zippy and mouthwatering.
• Large eggs, beaten: Help the coating stick and add moisture so your chicken never gets dry.
• Hot sauce (a few tablespoons): Kicks up the egg wash and brings extra flavor—choose your favorite brand.
• Chicken breast tenderloins: The star of the show, always juicy and perfectly sized for breading and baking.
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Ensures golden, flavorful crispness in the oven—no frying required.
• Honey: The foundation of your hot honey, bringing that signature sweetness.
• Hot sauce (for the honey): Infuses the honey with spicy depth.
• Cayenne pepper: For chili lovers, you can tailor the heat to taste.
• Chipotle chili powder: Brings a gentle smokiness and warmth to the hot honey.
• Garlic powder (for the honey): Another layer of savory flavor in the sauce.
• Onion powder (for the honey): Adds complexity and a touch of background sweetness.
• Sea salt: Essential for balance and to enhance all those flavors.
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley: A sprinkle of herbs makes everything look and taste fresh—perfect for serving.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Crush and Season the Cornflake Coating

Start by pouring your cornflakes into a large resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have rough, pea-sized crumbs with plenty of texture. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl and stir in the grated parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This custom mix brings a blend of savory, smoky, and cheesy depth that pairs beautifully with the hot honey drizzle. You’ll be amazed how much crunch this combo delivers once baked!

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

Crack your large eggs into another shallow bowl, and whisk them until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce into the eggs, giving the chicken extra flavor and helping the crumb coating stick. This not only helps the cornflake mixture adhere but also infuses each bite with a subtle tang and warmth that will come through even after baking.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenderloins

One by one, dip the chicken breast tenderloins first into the spicy egg wash, making sure they’re fully coated. Then press each piece firmly into the cornflake crumb mixture. Don’t be shy—really pack on that coating for the ultimate crunch. Set the breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching so they crisp evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the breaded chicken pieces to help them brown and crisp up without any frying required. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for juicy chicken and a coating that’s deeply golden and audibly crunchy. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen!

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, make your hot honey. In a small saucepan, combine honey, a generous splash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Gently warm on low heat, stirring, to allow all the flavors to infuse and become silky smooth. This homemade hot honey has a beautiful kick with smoky undertones that sends your crunchy chicken over the top.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Straight from the oven, transfer the golden chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with your homemade hot honey, then shower the platter with chopped fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a finishing pop of color and freshness. Get ready—Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken comes to life the moment the hot honey hits that crispy coating!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Bring your platter to life with a handful of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley. Not only do they add bright flavor, but they also make your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken look positively gourmet. For even more pop, sprinkle with a pinch of extra smoked paprika or flaky sea salt just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs brilliantly with cool, creamy coleslaw, simple roasted veggies, or a classic potato salad. The crispy, spicy-sweet flavors also love to be balanced out by savory rice, cornbread, or a bright, tangy green salad. Mix and match sides for a spread that makes your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack chicken strips high on a wooden board for a family-style feast, serve with small bowls of hot honey for extra dipping, or tuck each crispy piece into a toasted brioche bun with pickles and slaw for unforgettable sandwiches. You can even slice and toss leftovers into salads or grain bowls—the possibilities for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken go far beyond the dinner plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coating will stay nicely crisp for up to 2 days, and the flavors only get better after resting a bit.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? Line the cooled chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. The Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will keep its texture up to 2 months. Just remember to keep the hot honey sauce separate for the freshest bite post-thaw!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked crunch, reheat chilled or frozen chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, right on a wire rack. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Drizzle with freshly warmed hot honey to bring it all back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and offer even more juiciness. Just adjust baking time by a few extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free cornflakes and check your ingredient labels for cross-contamination, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can easily be made totally gluten-free. Nature’s Path is a trusted brand, and there are other good options, too.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

You control the heat! Use less cayenne for a milder kick, or add more if you love things extra fiery. The honey balances out the spice, so even spice-wary eaters often love it.

Can I prep Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken and arrange it on your baking sheet, then refrigerate for up to several hours before baking. Wait to drizzle the hot honey until just before serving for maximum texture and impact.

What’s the best way to crush cornflakes for the coating?

Popping the cornflakes into a large plastic bag and rolling with a rolling pin is fast and mess-free, but you can also pulse them in a food processor for evenly sized crumbs—just don’t overdo it. You want some larger crumbs for extra crunch!

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience just how tasty and fun it is to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. It’s crunchy, juicy, sticky, and never lasts long at the table. Grab those cornflakes and whip this up—you’re about to make everyone’s new favorite comfort food!

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