Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
If you’re in search of a delightful and mouthwatering chicken dish, look no further than Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This recipe combines crispy cornflake-covered chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a weeknight family meal or a weekend gathering, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also healthier than traditional fried chicken. By baking instead of frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil needed while still achieving a satisfying crunch. The combination of sweet honey, spicy hot sauce, and aromatic spices makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you choose the right cornflakes!
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflakes (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 your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until fine crumbs are formed. Alternatively, crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag if you don’t have a food processor.
- Pour the crushed cornflake mixture into a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Toss the chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture until they are well coated.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflake crumb mixture until fully covered. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the crumbs again.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a cooling side salad or creamy coleslaw to balance out the heat.
How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
Tips to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- For extra crunch, try adding crushed nuts to the cornflake mixture.
- Adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce according to your preference by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Experiment with different herbs for garnishing to suit your taste.
Variations
- Substitute chicken tenderloins for thighs or drumsticks if you prefer darker meat.
- Use vegan options like tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Change up the spice blend for different flavor profiles — consider adding cumin or chili lime seasoning for a twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coat it in the cornflake mixture a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The chicken holds up well for meal prep, allowing for easy lunches throughout the week. Just store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
Try making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken today for a meal everyone will love! Enjoy the balance of crispiness and sweetness with a spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins Can substitute with thighs or drumsticks
- 6 cups cornflakes Use gluten-free cornflakes if needed
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Used in both chicken coating and sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Used in both chicken coating and sauce
- 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 Adjust according to taste
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper Adjust for preferred spice level
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Sea salt To taste
For Serving
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until fine crumbs are formed.
- Pour the crushed cornflake mixture into a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Toss the chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture until they are well coated.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflake crumb mixture until fully covered. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the crumbs again.
Baking
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden.
Making the Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the top.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
