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This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken has become my go-to when I want big flavor and serious crunch without frying. There is something irresistible about tender chicken wrapped in a golden, shatteringly crisp coating, finished with a warm honey drizzle that packs a spicy kick. It is weeknight-friendly but special enough for gatherings too.
The first time I baked this during a busy school night, I could not believe how quickly everyone cleared their plates. Now it has become our regular Saturday treat and everyone asks for extra hot honey on the side.
Ingredients
- Cornflakes: give crunch and hold up well in the oven Crush them to a fine crumb for best texture
- Grated parmesan cheese: gives salty richness and helps the coating brown Look for a block and grate fresh for best flavor
- Smoked paprika: brings a touch of warmth and color Spanish smoked paprika is best if you can find it
- Onion powder and garlic powder: layer in lots of earthy savory notes
- Large eggs: bind the coating and keep the crumbs sticking to the chicken
- Hot sauce: adds tang and heat to the marinade and the sauce Use your favorite
- Chicken breast tenderloins: are quick to cook and stay juicy Buy ones that are plump and uniform for even baking
- Extra virgin olive oil: helps crisp up the coating and gives a golden finish
- Honey: is the sweet base for the spicy sauce Go for local raw if you can
- Cayenne pepper and chipotle chili powder: bring heat and a little smokiness
- Sea salt: enhances every flavor throughout
- Fresh thyme cilantro or parsley: adds a pop of color and freshness for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set the oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and line a heavy baking sheet with parchment so the chicken does not stick
- Make the Crunchy Coating:
- Combine cornflakes parmesan smoked paprika onion powder and garlic powder plus just a bit of salt in a food processor Pulse a few times until you have fine even crumbs The finer they are the crispier the chicken will get Pour the mixture into a wide shallow bowl for easy dipping
- Prep the Wet Mix and Marinate:
- Crack two eggs into a medium bowl and beat thoroughly Add hot sauce for an extra flavor punch Dunk the chicken tenderloins right into this mixture Toss so every strip is slicked and seasoned Let it marinate for a minute or two if you have time
- Coat the Chicken:
- Lift the chicken pieces from the egg mixture and drop them into the crumb bowl Press the crumbs into every side so the chicken is fully coated For an extra thick crust repeat the dip and crumb process Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet Arrange them with a little space so the heat can get all around
- Bake the Chicken:
- Drizzle or spritz a little olive oil over the top to help the crumbs crisp instead of dry out Slide the sheet into the hot oven Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes turning once if you want super even browning The chicken is done when it is very golden and the inside is juicy and fully cooked
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- Close to the end of baking time pour the honey into a small saucepan Set it over gentle heat and stir in hot sauce cayenne chipotle chili and a pinch of garlic and onion powder with salt Keep it just warm so it flows but does not boil
- Finish and Serve:
- Place the hot chicken on a platter Drizzle generously with the spicy honey sauce and sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs If the sauce thickens as it cools give it a quick zap in the microwave
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My secret favorite is using local wildflower honey in the sauce You can really taste the difference and it makes the sauce extra fragrant One cold night last winter we sat around dipping extra crunchy pieces right in the warm honey pot laughing about who could handle the most heat That memory still makes this dish more special
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place it in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive the crunch Avoid microwaving if you can because it can soften the coating The honey sauce can be stored in a jar at room temperature for several days just warm again before drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cornflakes with gluten free cereal or panko if needed For dairy free just leave out the parmesan If you want to lower the spice level use less cayenne and your mildest hot sauce Those who love more heat can add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot honey chicken with a big chopped salad or creamy slaw For extra comfort try with mashed potatoes or fluffy rice My kids like it in soft rolls with pickles for lunch leftovers
Cultural Context
This dish builds on the southern tradition of hot honey fried chicken the twist is making it lighter by baking instead of deep frying Cornflake coatings were classic in home cookbooks decades ago and are enjoying a revival now for their crunch and nostalgia
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the chicken extra crunchy?
For the crunchiest coating, process the cornflakes until very fine and double-dip each chicken piece in the egg and crumb mixture for an extra-thick crust.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the hot honey sauce?
Yes, simply reduce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your personal spice preference.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten free?
You can use certified gluten-free cornflakes to keep the dish free from gluten, while still enjoying the same texture and taste.
- → What herbs pair best for serving?
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley work beautifully as garnishes, adding a burst of color and flavor to the finished dish.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted; just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.