Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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 (adjust for spice level); 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (to taste); 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

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 5, 2025

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey! Imagine tender chicken tenderloins, coated in a crispy cornflake crust, drizzled with a hot honey sauce that offers the perfect marriage of sweetness and spice. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also showcases a unique combination of flavors that will make everyone at your table smile. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing a feast for friends, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, baking instead of frying makes it a healthier option without sacrificing that satisfying crunch we all love. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Irresistible Flavor

First off, let’s talk about flavor. The sweet honey paired with spicy hot sauce creates this mouth-watering experience that lingers with each bite. You get that satisfying crunch from the coating, followed by the juicy, tender chicken, topped off with a sauce that makes your taste buds dance.

Healthier Option

Now, who doesn’t love a dish that’s crunchy yet still a bit healthier? By baking the chicken, you cut down on excess fat and calories usually found in fried dishes. So, you can enjoy every bite with a little less guilt!

Versatile Dish

This recipe works for every occasion. Planning a family dinner? Check. Meal prepping for the week? Absolutely. Hosting friends for a cookout? You know it! This dish ticks all the boxes, making it the perfect go-to option.

Easy to Make

Don’t fret if you’re not a kitchen whiz; this recipe is straightforward. With simple ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, anyone can whip this up. Even if you’re just getting familiar with cooking, you can impress with this simple dish!

What is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delectable twist on classic fried chicken. The chicken is coated in a crunchy cornflake crust that gets baked until golden and crispy, making it far more enticing. Then there’s that spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, which is drizzled on top, transforming this dish into pure bliss. Each bite is a mix of crunchy and juicy that just hits the spot.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:

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 (adjust for spice level)
1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (to taste)
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

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper is next—it keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Create the Crunchy Coating

Now, grab your food processor. Toss in the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse it a bit until you get fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush the cornflakes using a ziplock bag and a rolling pin—fun, right?

Beat Eggs and Add Hot Sauce

In a mixing bowl, beat those eggs and then mix in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. This is your glue that will help the cornflake coating really stick to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken

Take your chicken tenderloins and dip them into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Next, dredge them in the cornflake crumbs. For a crunchier bite, double-dip by placing the chicken back into the egg mixture and then back into the crumbs.

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place your coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil over the chicken helps during baking to achieve the perfect golden color.

Bake Until Crunchy

Slide the baking sheet into the oven! Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Prepare Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, let’s make that hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Heat it over low flame, stirring until everything is well mixed.

Drizzle the Sauce and Serve

When the chicken is ready, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over it. For gorgeous presentation and added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley on top.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is ready, how should you serve it?

Pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice, which will soak up that delicious sauce.
This dish is also great for meal prepping, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days!

Tips for Success

Stick with plain cornflakes. Flavored ones can change the dish’s taste.
Adjust the heat level in the hot honey sauce according to your liking. If you like it milder, lower that cayenne.
Preheat the oven! This step is crucial for getting that irresistible crunch.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists:

Swap chicken tenderloins for chicken thighs; they offer a juicier bite.
Add crushed nuts or seeds into your coating for extra crunch.
For a different flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use your oven for the best texture, since microwaving can lead to a less crispy coating.

Pairing Ideas

To elevate your meal further, consider these pairings:

A crisp coleslaw can balance the heat beautifully.
Cold drinks like iced tea or lemonade are perfect for cleansing your palate after those spicy bites.
For an extra kick, include a spicy dipping sauce on the side!

FAQs

1. Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and stick it in the fridge a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it fresh for that perfect crunch!

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The spice can be adjusted to your taste. Simply use more or less hot sauce and cayenne depending on how much heat you want.

4. Can I freeze the leftover baked chicken?
Yes! You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just remember, the coating may lose some of its crunchiness when you reheat it.

5. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
To maintain that lovely texture, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! With its combination of flavor, texture, and ease, this dish is bound to become a favorite. So get cozy in your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the creation of a dish that promises to satisfy and impress. Happy cooking!

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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken