The Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Baked crunchy hot honey chicken crafts ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Fiery spices dance with golden, sticky sweetness, promising an unforgettable flavor adventure for passionate food lovers.

Crispy exterior layers hint at the delectable journey waiting beneath each golden-brown morsel.

Home cooks can effortlessly elevate weeknight dinners with this tantalizing recipe that balances heat and comfort.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious dish that delights the senses.

The perfect combination of textures and flavors makes this meal irresistibly appealing to anyone craving something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Unleash Crispy Crunch: The cornflake coating delivers an irresistible textural experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a satisfyingly crunchy delight, guaranteeing each bite provides maximum crispiness.
• Spice Up Your Flavor Adventure: Hot honey sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet heat, creating a mouthwatering blend that tingles taste buds with complex layers of warmth and sweetness from carefully combined spices.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results without extensive preparation, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows personalization through spice levels, herb choices, and potential protein substitutions, ensuring everyone can enjoy a version tailored to their unique taste preferences.

Everything You Need for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Protein-rich main ingredient, boneless and skinless for easy eating and quick cooking.

• Cornflakes, Parmesan Cheese: Crunchy base for creating crispy exterior with added savory flavor.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt: Spice blend for enhancing overall taste and providing depth of flavor.

• Eggs, Hot Sauce: Helps crumb mixture adhere to chicken and adds tangy heat.
• Olive Oil: Promotes golden browning and prevents dryness during baking.

• Honey, Hot Sauce: Creates sweet and spicy glaze with balanced flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt: Additional spices for complex and layered sauce taste.

• Fresh Herbs: Provides bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and mess-free cooking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Cornflakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Crush ingredients in a food processor or use a ziplock bag to create fine crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and mix in hot sauce. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and add extra flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with the crumb mixture. For maximum crunchiness, repeat the dipping process for an extra thick coating.

Step 5: Add Olive Oil

Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to enhance browning and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Create Hot Honey Sauce

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Warm and stir the ingredients until smoothly blended.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove chicken from the oven. Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the baked chicken. Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Reheat sauce if it thickens before serving.

Helpful Tips for Crispy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Crush Cornflakes Strategically: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create ultra-fine crumbs for maximum crunchiness, ensuring even coating on each chicken piece.
• Double-Dip for Ultimate Crunch: Repeat the egg and crumb coating process to create an extra-thick, crispy layer that guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation, keeping the chicken crisp on all sides and avoiding moisture buildup.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing both safety and perfect juiciness.
• Sauce Timing is Key: Drizzle hot honey sauce immediately after baking to prevent soggy breading and maintain the crisp texture you've worked hard to achieve.

Best Storage and Reheating Tips for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the crispy coating intact by placing a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating in Oven: Restore the chicken's original crunch by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they aren't touching. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain the crispy exterior.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

What to Serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Spice Up with Cool Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing cucumber salad with dill and a light vinaigrette to balance the hot and crunchy chicken's bold flavors, providing a crisp and cooling counterpoint to the spicy dish.
• Pour a Zesty Beverage Companion: Reach for a cold wheat beer or a crisp hard cider that will complement the honey's sweetness and cut through the chicken's heat, offering a smooth and refreshing drinking experience.
• Whip Up Creamy Ranch Dip: Prepare a homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs and buttermilk to serve alongside the chicken, giving guests a cool and tangy dipping option that enhances the crunchy texture and spicy notes.
• Side with Soft Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Serve creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic as a comforting side that absorbs the hot honey sauce while providing a smooth contrast to the crispy chicken's texture.

Flavorful Twists on Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Caribbean Crunch: Replace parmesan with toasted coconut flakes and add jerk seasoning to the cornflake mixture for a tropical flavor profile with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap cornflakes with crushed seasoned breadcrumbs, incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and za'atar spice blend into the coating for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken experience.
• Korean Gochujang Kick: Modify the hot sauce with gochujang paste in the egg mixture, add sesame seeds to the crumb coating, and include rice vinegar in the final honey sauce for a bold Korean-style chicken recipe.
• Ranch Crispy Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning powder into the cornflake crumb mixture, use buttermilk instead of eggs for coating, and create a ranch-infused honey drizzle to complement the crunchy exterior.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers irresistible Southern comfort with a spicy-sweet twist. Crispy panko-coated chicken drizzled in golden honey and chili sauce promises an unforgettable meal that satisfies deep cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breast tenderloins
• 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free, if needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (170 grams) honey

Coating & Cheese:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Seasonings & Spices:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) hot sauce (divided)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional amount based on spice preference)
• ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh thyme or cilantro or parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. Pulverize cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a food processor until transformed into fine, uniform crumbs. Alternatively, crush ingredients in a sealed ziplock bag using a rolling pin.
3. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then incorporate hot sauce, creating a zesty marinade for the chicken pieces.
4. Submerge chicken thoroughly in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coating.
5. Roll each chicken piece generously in the seasoned crumb mixture, pressing gently to maximize crumb adhesion. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and crumb dredging process.
6. Position coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
7. Lightly drizzle olive oil across the chicken to enhance browning and provide additional flavor complexity.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration and consistent crunchiness.
9. Meanwhile, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
10. Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy consistency.
11. Once chicken reaches optimal crispness and internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the warm spicy-sweet sauce.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
13. Serve immediately, with additional sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

• Crumb creation happens quickly using a food processor or manual crushing method for maximum texture variety.
• Egg-hot sauce bath ensures deep flavor infusion and helps coating adhere perfectly to chicken pieces.
• Double-dredging technique guarantees extra crispy exterior with intense crunch in every delicious bite.
• Olive oil drizzle before baking adds golden-brown color and enhances overall browning process.
• Hot honey sauce combines sweet, spicy elements creating a mouthwatering glaze that elevates simple chicken to gourmet status.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg