Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
6 cups cornflakes, crushed (gluten free if desired)
02 -
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
03 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
Sea salt, to taste
07 -
2 large eggs, beaten
08 -
2 tablespoons hot sauce
09 -
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
10 -
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
→ For the Hot Honey Sauce
11 -
1/2 cup honey
12 -
2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
13 -
1 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
14 -
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
15 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 -
Sea salt, to taste
→ For Serving
18 -
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 425° F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a food processor, combine cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until mixture is finely ground. Alternatively, crush cornflakes and seasonings in a sealed ziplock bag until very fine. Transfer crumbs to a shallow bowl.
03 -
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and mix in hot sauce. Add chicken tenderloins and toss to thoroughly coat each piece.
04 -
Dredge coated chicken pieces in cornflake crumb mixture, ensuring each tenderloin is fully covered. For an extra thick crust, repeat dipping in eggs and then back in crumbs. Arrange breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet.
05 -
Drizzle chicken with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the coating is crisp and chicken is cooked through.
06 -
Just before the chicken finishes baking, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and fragrant.
07 -
Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley. Warm the sauce briefly in the microwave if it thickens. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure cornflake crumbs are processed until very fine for maximum crispiness.
02 -
The heat level of the hot honey sauce can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
03 -
Serve the chicken as soon as possible after baking for best texture.