Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that stands out on any dinner table. Imagine juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy cornflake crust, drizzled with a sweet-and-spicy hot honey sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food, balancing crunch with flavor in a way that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, baking instead of frying not only keeps it healthier but makes cleanup a breeze. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that combines ease with wow-factor!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
• Ingredients
• Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
• Create the Crunchy Coating
• Prepare the Chicken
• Dredge the Chicken
• Bake the Chicken
• Make the Hot Honey Sauce
• Drizzle the Sauce
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines the unbeatable texture of crispy cornflakes with the sweet and spicy kick of honey and hot sauce. By baking instead of frying, this recipe captures that irresistible crunch while keeping it healthier. The balance of flavors, sourced from easy pantry staples, makes this dish a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

The flavor-packed layers of crispy chicken and sticky hot honey create an explosion of taste in every bite. This dish is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to please everyone at the table, from kids to adults. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a lifesaver for busy cooks who crave comfort food without the guilt.

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

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Create the Crunchy Coating

To make that crunchy coating, blend the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a food processor until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands.

Prepare the Chicken

Now, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the beaten eggs and hot sauce. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step brings all the flavors together.

Dredge the Chicken

Next, take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it through the crunchy coating mixture. Ensure it’s fully covered for that perfect crunch. For an extra layer of crispiness, you can dip it back in the egg mixture and then through the crumbs a second time. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil.

Bake the Chicken

Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation!

Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the hot honey sauce. Combine the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring until everything is nicely blended.

Drizzle the Sauce

Once the chicken is crispy and done, it’s time for the finishing touch. Remove it from the oven and drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the chicken. For that extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with delicious sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a wonderfully balanced meal. Each bite pairs beautifully with the contrasts of crunch and flavor.

Tips for Success

• For added texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs in combination with the cornflakes for even more crunch.
• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different spices or alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup instead of honey for a unique twist! Each variation can bring a different flavor profile to the dish.

Pairing Ideas

Pair this flavorful dish with a refreshing cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade. You can also complement it with a side of fluffy rice or crunchy fries to balance out the heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, and they will add additional moisture and flavor.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the cornflakes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose gluten-free cornflakes.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and coating in advance, then bake when you’re ready to serve for maximum crispiness.

5. What should I do with leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven to retain the crunch.

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that combines sweetness with a kick. It’s perfect for any occasion, inviting indulgence while being moderate in effort. Everyone will love the crispiness and that touch of heat, creating a memorable meal each time. Enjoy!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Egg Salad
• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

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