Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free if needed); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; ½ cup honey; 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce; 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper; ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Sea salt, to taste; Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, look no further than Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

This recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a hot honey glaze that will leave your taste buds dancing. The best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while still delivering all the flavor and crunch you crave.

Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible chicken recipe step by step.

Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying cuts down on the oil and calories without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavors: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder in the coating, paired with the sweet heat of the hot honey sauce, makes this dish unforgettable.
Perfect Texture: Thanks to cornflakes and parmesan cheese, the chicken comes out incredibly crispy every time.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

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)

For the hot honey sauce:

1/2 cup honey
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt (to taste)
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture forms fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or by stepping on the bag gently. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins to the egg mixture and toss until fully coated. Next, dredge each piece of chicken through the cornflake crumbs, ensuring an even coating. For an extra-crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the crumbs for a second layer. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy all around. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until well mixed and warm. If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, simply reheat it for a few seconds in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle it generously with the warm hot honey sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: If you love your chicken extra crispy, don’t skip the double-coating step. It makes all the difference!
Adjusting Spice Levels: Not a fan of too much heat? Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce. For spice lovers, feel free to add more!
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Reheating Leftovers: To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.

Pairing Suggestions

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Creamy Coleslaw: The cool creaminess balances out the heat from the hot honey sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or carrots for a healthy side option.
Buttermilk Biscuits: A classic Southern pairing that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes complement the crispy texture of the chicken.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken isn’t just another baked chicken recipe—it’s an experience. The combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of extraordinary. The crispy cornflake coating provides a satisfying crunch that rivals any fried chicken recipe, while the hot honey sauce offers a unique blend of sweetness and spice that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer (think chicken tenders with dipping sauce), main course, or even as part of a game-day spread. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While this recipe is baked and lighter than fried alternatives, it’s still packed with flavor! Each serving contains approximately 403 kcal—perfect for indulging without overdoing it. Note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken yet, now’s your chance to add this crowd-pleaser to your recipe repertoire. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish will steal the spotlight every time.

So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy crispy, sweet-and-spicy perfection—because once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a household favorite!