Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Simple cornflake-crusted chicken baked up on a sheet pan until crispy and delicious – loved by everyone! Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner, game day snack, or a fun family meal. This recipe combines the crunchiness of cornflakes with the sweet and spicy flavor of hot honey, making it irresistible to both adults and kids alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating gives this chicken a satisfying crunch that stays crisp even after baking.
• Flavorful Kick: With the addition of hot sauce and honey, you’ll enjoy a sweet and spicy combination that excites the taste buds.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, requiring minimal prep time and easy step-by-step instructions.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a potluck spread; this chicken fits in anywhere.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, this dish offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools for preparing your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps you quickly turn cornflakes into fine crumbs for an even coating.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and crispiness for your chicken.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Crunchy 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

For the Chicken

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins

For the Honey Sauce

• 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

For Serving

• sea salt
• fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornflake Mixture

In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them using your hands or feet.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with hot sauce. Add in the chicken tenderloins and toss well to coat each piece. Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflake mixture until fully covered. For extra crunchiness, dip back into the egg mixture then coat again with crumbs before placing on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp all around.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While your chicken bakes, prepare the sauce in a small saucepan. Warm together honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt over low heat until combined.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked through and crispy, drizzle warm sauce over your baked chicken. Top with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for added flavor. If your sauce thickens too much while sitting, simply warm it for 5 seconds in the microwave before drizzling over chicken. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken on a bed of fresh mixed greens for a light and refreshing option. Drizzle with extra hot honey sauce for added flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair the chicken with different dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or even a spicy aioli. This allows guests to customize their flavors.

In Tacos

• Shred the baked chicken and serve it in soft or hard taco shells with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos!

As Sliders

• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve them on slider buns with pickles and slaw for a tasty finger food option at gatherings.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the chicken alongside fluffy rice or quinoa. Add some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a platter featuring Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken alongside veggies, cheeses, and crackers for an impressive appetizer spread.

How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Achieving the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is easy with these simple tips that guarantee crispy results every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh chicken and spices enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t skip the olive oil – Drizzling olive oil helps achieve that crunchy texture while baking.
• Adjust spice levels – Modify the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
• Double-dip for crunch – For an extra layer of crunch, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture before coating it again in cornflake crumbs.
• Bake at the right temperature – Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425° F for optimal crispiness.
• Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps maintain its juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw adds crispness and balances out the spiciness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness alongside the chicken.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to your plate while adding natural sweetness.
4. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the spicy honey sauce.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add a sweet element that pairs perfectly with spicy flavors.
6. Macaroni Salad – A cold macaroni salad can provide a refreshing side that complements hot dishes nicely.
7. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus adds elegance and enhances your meal’s nutritional value.
8. Couscous Salad – A couscous salad with herbs and lemon is light yet filling, making it an ideal accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not crushing the cornflakes properly: Ensure the cornflakes are finely crushed for an even coating. Use a food processor or crush them in a ziplock bag.
• Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash helps the crumbs adhere better to the chicken. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect crunch!
• Baking at too low a temperature: Baking below 425° F can result in soggy chicken. Always preheat your oven for crispy results.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Leave enough space between each piece of chicken. This allows for proper air circulation and crispiness.
• Ignoring the sauce timing: Make the hot honey sauce just before the chicken is done. This keeps it warm and ready to drizzle over your crispy chicken.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Customize the heat to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

What makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken so crunchy?

The combination of crushed cornflakes and baking at high heat ensures that this chicken comes out perfectly crispy every time.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breast tenderloins with thighs or even cutlets. Adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness.

How spicy is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

The level of spiciness depends on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. Feel free to adjust according to your taste!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure any sauces used are gluten-free as well.

How should I serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or even on its own as an appetizer.

How do I customize the flavor of the honey sauce?

You can add different herbs or spices like ginger or mustard for variety. Experiment to find your ideal flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with its delightful crunch and sweet heat!

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious, family-friendly dish that combines the satisfying crunch of cornflakes with the sweet heat of hot honey. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to game day snacks. The chicken is baked to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce, this dish offers a delightful flavor experience that both kids and adults will love. Serve it with your favorite sides or as part of an appetizer spread for a crowd-pleasing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sea salt until fine crumbs form.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce. Coat chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornflake crumbs.
4. Arrange coated chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a saucepan.
7. Drizzle the warm sauce over the baked chicken before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 120mg