Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts crispy, spicy, and sweet, look no further than this irresistible Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Each bite is a delightful burst of golden, cornflake-crusted chicken that’s oven-baked until supremely crunchy and finished with a zippy, drippy hot honey glaze. Whether for weeknight dinners, game day, or an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is pure comfort with lots of wow factor—you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is how a handful of familiar pantry staples can create incredibly bold flavors and textures. Every ingredient plays an important role, from the satisfying crunch of cornflakes to that addictive sticky-hot glaze that sets this dish apart.

• Cornflakes: These make the coating super crunchy—crushing them nice and fine is key for maximum crispiness.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Infuses savory depth and a hint of nuttiness into the coating.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and brilliant color that makes the crust stand out.
• Onion powder: For a subtle, sweet aromatic foundation in both the crust and the glaze.
• Garlic powder: Boosts flavor with that classic garlicky bite in every layer.
• Large eggs: Essential for binding the crumbs to the chicken and creating a thick, satisfying coating.
• Hot sauce: This does double duty in the marinade and the hot honey, giving lovely heat and tang.
• Chicken breast tenderloins: Quick-cooking, juicy, and perfect for holding onto that crispy crust.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle ensures beautiful browning and crunch, without deep-frying.
• Honey: The sweet counterpart in the hot honey glaze, balancing all the spice.
• Cayenne pepper: Customizable kick—add more or less to suit your spice preference.
• Chipotle chili powder: Smoky, spicy warmth that deepens the glaze’s flavor.
• Sea salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley: Sprinkle these on at the end for freshness and a pop of green color.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first: fire up your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also means no messy sticking or scrubbing later—just perfectly crispy results every time.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

Get your food processor (or a trusty ziplock bag if you want to crush by hand) and combine the cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt. Pulse until it looks like fine, golden breadcrumbs. If using a bag, a quick stomp or roll with a rolling pin turns cornflakes into magic crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

In a wide bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Drizzle in the hot sauce, then tumble in your chicken tenderloins. Make sure each piece is fully coated—this helps the crust adhere and adds subtle heat to every bite.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crunch

Working one at a time, lift the chicken from the egg mixture and dredge it thoroughly in the cornflake crumb mix. For that extra-thick, ultra-crunchy crust, double back: dip the chicken again in eggs and into the crumbs for a second coat. Arrange everything on your prepped baking sheet and finish with a drizzle of olive oil over the top for even more golden crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is deeply golden and irresistibly crispy, and the chicken is cooked through—no flipping required!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Sauce: Make the Glaze

Just as your kitchen starts to smell heavenly, make the signature hot honey. Warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of sea salt together in a small saucepan. Stir until glossy and just heated through—don’t boil. This spicy-sweet sauce is what transforms the chicken into Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken magic.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, spoon or drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the chicken. Top with plenty of chopped fresh herbs for color and fresh flavor. Dive in while it’s hot and crunchy for the full experience!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with plenty of fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a finishing touch. The herbs don’t just bring a pop of green, they give every bite a fresh, aromatic lift that plays so well with the spicy-sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with just about anything: think a crisp green salad, fluffy mashed potatoes, or some garlicky steamed broccoli. If you want a true comfort meal, serve it alongside creamy mac and cheese or roasted sweet potato wedges to soak up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, slice the chicken into strips and pile them on a platter with extra hot honey for dipping. Or tuck the crunchy chicken into warm rolls with coleslaw for out-of-this-world sliders. However you plate it, don’t forget extra sauce on the side—everyone will want it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken left, let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coating may lose some crispiness, but a quick reheat will revive that signature crunch and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked (but un-sauced) chicken for up to 2 months. Cool pieces completely, then wrap individually or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh hot honey glaze.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, reheat chicken on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 10–12 minutes until hot and crispy. If you’ve already added the sauce, you can pop it in the oven too—just keep a close eye to avoid burning the honey glaze. Add more fresh herbs after warming as a finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Just cut them into strips or bites, and adjust baking time—thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

How spicy is the finished dish?

The wonderful part about making your own hot honey is the control you have over the heat. Add less or more cayenne and hot sauce to suit your preference—start milder and taste as you go if you’re unsure.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cornflakes for the crust and double-check that your hot sauces don’t contain any gluten. The recipe transitions perfectly to a gluten-free version without any loss in crunch or flavor.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Any hot sauce you love will work, whether it’s classic Frank’s, sriracha, or something unique. Just note each has a slightly different flavor profile and spice level, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead for a party?

Definitely! Bread and refrigerate the chicken a few hours ahead, then bake right before guests arrive. Warm the hot honey glaze just before serving so everything is at its crunchy, saucy best.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a chicken dinner that’s easy, impressive, and seriously delicious, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is made for you. Round up your ingredients, call a friend, and get ready to taste why this dish will steal the show every time you serve it. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

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