why make this recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a fun and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. This dish combines the crispiness of baked chicken coated in crunchy cornflakes with the sweet and spicy flavor of hot honey sauce. You will enjoy a tasty combination of textures and flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s a healthier twist compared to frying, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy their comfort food without the guilt.

how to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients:

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
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
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
Sea salt
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
Beat the eggs in a bowl, add the hot sauce and chicken, and toss well to coat.
Dredge the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back through the eggs, then through the crumbs a second time. Place it back on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp all around.
Just before the chicken is done cooking, make the sauce. In a sauce pot, warm together the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt.
Drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken. Top with herbs. If the sauce thickens, warm it for 5 seconds in the microwave. Enjoy!

how to serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and spicy sauce drizzled on top adds an extra burst of flavor.

how to store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the oven at a low temperature until heated through to maintain its crispiness.

tips to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Use fresh spices for a more robust flavor.
Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the cornflake crumbs for that extra crunch.
If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your liking.

variation

You can switch things up by using different types of meat, like chicken thighs or shrimp. You can also try using different seasonings in the cornflakes to create your unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer. However, cornflakes add a unique crunch and flavor that is hard to replicate!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free cornflakes and make sure all your other ingredients, like sauces, are gluten-free.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper to the honey sauce, depending on your taste preference.