Baked Crunchy Hot Honey

This baked crunchy hot honey chicken recipe brings the perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet honey with a satisfying crunch that makes weeknight dinners exciting It’s a fantastic way to enjoy crispy chicken with a homemade hot honey drizzle that elevates everyday meals without complicated steps

I first made this when craving something spicy but comforting It quickly became a family favorite, with everyone reaching for seconds of the crunchy, sticky goodness

Gather Your Ingredients

• Cornflakes: six cups make the coating extra crispy opt for gluten free if needed for dietary preferences
• Grated parmesan cheese: one-quarter cup adds a subtle salty richness and helps the crumbs stick better
• Smoked paprika: one teaspoon brings a smoky warmth that complements the heat
• Onion powder: one-half teaspoon enhances savory depth
• Garlic powder: one-half teaspoon boosts the overall flavor with an aromatic punch
• Large eggs: two beaten bind the coating to the chicken for a perfect crust
• Hot sauce: two tablespoons mixed into eggs infuses the chicken with heat before baking
• Chicken breast tenderloins: two pounds chosen for quick cooking and tenderness
• Extra virgin olive oil: for drizzling ensures the coating crisps nicely in the oven
• Honey: one-half cup is the sweet base that balances heat
• Hot sauce: two to three tablespoons makes the sauce fiery with adjustable spice
• Cayenne pepper: one to three teaspoons adds bright, sharp heat adjust to taste
• Chipotle chili powder: three-quarters teaspoon brings smoky heat and complexity
• Garlic powder: one-half teaspoon layers in savory flavor
• Onion powder: one-half teaspoon for additional savory notes
• Sea salt: enhances the flavors all around
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley: for serving adds a fresh herbal finish

How to Make It

Warm the oven:

Slightly warm ovens make crispy fried-like chicken without the oil soak

Preheat:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup

Prepare coating:

Prepare the cornflake coating by pulsing the cornflakes with parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until fine crumbs form The alternative is crushing the flakes by stepping on them in a ziplock bag either way, the crumbs should be fine but not powdery Transfer this mixture into a shallow bowl for easy breading

Mix eggs and hot sauce:

Beat the eggs thoroughly in a bowl then stir in hot sauce and the chicken tenderloins Toss well to coat all the pieces evenly

Coat chicken:

Dredge the chicken pieces through the crumb mixture pressing gently so the crust sticks fully For an extra thick, crunchy crust dip coated chicken back into the egg mixture then again into the crumbs Place the prepared chicken pieces on the baking sheet evenly spaced to prevent steaming Drizzle the chicken lightly with olive oil to help the crust crisp up

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the chicken is cooked through and crisp all around

Prepare hot honey sauce:

While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt together in a small sauce pot Stir occasionally and let the sauce meld but do not boil to preserve honey’s texture and flavor

Serve:

Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the pieces and sprinkle with fresh herbs The sauce will soak slightly into the crispy crust while adding sticky heat If the sauce thickens while waiting, warming it for a few seconds in the microwave recreates that perfect drizzly texture Ready to serve and enjoy

This recipe brings back memories of family dinners where everyone shared bites and debated the perfect honey to heat ratio My favorite part is the crunchy coating which never gets soggy, even with the sticky sauce on top It always impresses guests while remaining super easy to prepare

Flavor Boosters

Use smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder for smoky warmth and depth Garlic and onion powders layer savory notes that enhance the spicy-sweet sauce Fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley add brightness and herbal freshness

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a bed of simple greens or coleslaw to balance the richness A side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes pairs beautifully for a complete meal Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness

Creative Twists

In warmer months swap fresh herbs with chopped scallions or basil Adding a squeeze of lime brightens the flavors Use local honey varieties when available for added depth and floral notes Substitute chicken thighs for darker meat but adjust cooking time slightly Swap hot sauce for sriracha or favorite chili sauce to match heat preferences Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan instead of cornflakes

This baked hot honey chicken is a wonderfully balanced, easy-to-make meal that dazzles with spicy sweet crunch It’s sure to become a favorite for busy nights and special occasions alike

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I get the chicken coating extra crispy?

For a thicker, crunchier coating, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and crumb mixture twice before baking. Ensure the oven is preheated to 425°F for optimal crispness.

→ Can I substitute cornflakes with another cereal?

Yes, gluten-free cornflakes or similar crisped cereals can be used to maintain the crunchy texture.

→ What herbs work best for garnishing this dish?

Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley add a fresh, aromatic note that complements the spicy honey glaze well.

→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze balances sweetness from honey with heat from hot sauce, cayenne, and chipotle chili powder, which can be adjusted to taste.

→ Is it better to bake or fry this chicken?

Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp crust with less oil, offering a healthier approach while maintaining crunchiness.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken and keep it refrigerated before baking. Prepare the honey glaze fresh when ready to serve for best flavor.