Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy texture with spicy sweetness. This recipe utilizes simple ingredients to create a crunchy, flavorful chicken that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving comfort food, this dish will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty, healthier alternative to fried chicken, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is for you. The cornflake coating gives it a satisfying crunch, while the combination of honey and hot sauce creates a deliciously addictive flavor. Not only is this dish baked instead of fried, making it lighter, but it’s also easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice levels to your liking.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own crunchy, spicy masterpiece.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag with your feet.
3. Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss until well coated.
5. Dredge the chicken in the cornflake crumbs, ensuring each piece is fully covered. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture, then back into the crumbs before placing it on the baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is crisp and fully cooked.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat.
8. Once the chicken is done cooking, drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken. Top with fresh herbs. If the sauce thickens, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken on a vibrant platter, drizzled with the hot honey sauce and garnished with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, and consider serving some extra sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain its crunchiness.

Tips to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the hot sauce for a few hours before preparation.
• Adjust the levels of cayenne and hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Use crushed cornflakes for a more uniform crumb coating.

Variations

• Use Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
• Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar with the cornflake crumbs for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different hot sauce varieties for unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free cornflakes?
Yes, simply select gluten-free cornflakes to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.

2. How do I make it spicier?
You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce used in the honey sauce.

3. Can I freeze Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
Yes, once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Enjoy making this flavorful and crispy Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, perfect for any meal!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

A mouthwatering dish that combines crispy texture with spicy sweetness, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 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 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

For the hot honey sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt

For serving

• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs.
• Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
• In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss until well coated.
• Dredge the chicken in the cornflake crumbs, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
• For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture, then back into the crumbs before placing it on the baking sheet.

Baking

• Drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is crisp and fully cooked.

Making the hot honey sauce

• While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat.
• Once the chicken is done cooking, drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken and top with fresh herbs.

Notes

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain its crunchiness.

Keyword Baked Chicken, comfort food, Crispy Chicken, Hot Honey Chicken