Irresistibly Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked hot honey chicken that crackles with irresistible texture.

Crispy golden edges gleam with a sweet and spicy glaze that promises pure deliciousness.

The kitchen fills with an aroma that makes your stomach rumble with anticipation.

honey caramelizes into a luscious coating, creating depth beyond typical chicken dishes.

Secrets of achieving maximum crunch involve a few clever techniques that transform ordinary ingredients.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors – sweet, heat, and savory notes dancing together.

The magic happens when simple ingredients meet smart cooking methods.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal adventure.

Why Everyone Loves Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Crunch into Crispy Perfection: The cornflake coating delivers an incredible crackly exterior that provides maximum texture and satisfying bite with every mouthful.
• Spice Up Your Meal: The combination of hot sauce and honey creates a bold, tangy-sweet glaze that elevates the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, giving your taste buds a delightful flavor adventure.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: This one-pan recipe requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and offers a foolproof baking method that guarantees juicy chicken with a golden, crispy crust – perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family dinners, game day gatherings, or weeknight meals, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults who love a bit of sweet heat and crunchy texture.

Ingredients List For Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes crispy and tender when baked, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• Flour, Eggs, Cornflakes: Create a crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds texture to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the breading's flavor profile with warmth and depth.

Glaze Ingredients:

• Honey, Hot Sauce, Butter, Vinegar: Combine to create a sweet, tangy, and spicy coating that adds richness and complexity to the baked chicken.

Preparation Ingredients:

• Parchment Paper, Wire Rack, Cooking Spray: Essential for even cooking, preventing sticking, and achieving a crisp exterior without excess oil.

How To Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken At Home

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Place a wire cooling rack on top and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes for your coating adventure:

First Dish: Flour

Second Dish: Beaten eggs

Third Dish: Cornflake Coating Mix

• Crushed cornflakes
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• First, roll it in flour
• Next, dunk it into beaten eggs, letting excess drip away
• Finally, press it firmly into the cornflake mixture, making sure every inch gets a crunchy embrace

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking rack. Give the chicken a light spray of oil to boost its golden crispiness. Slide into the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Melted butter
• Vinegar

Whisk until the ingredients dance together into a glossy, tantalizing glaze

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the crispy chicken from the oven and generously brush with the hot honey glaze. The heat will make the glaze sizzle and caramelize. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips For Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Maximize Crispiness: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to ensure hot air circulates around the chicken, creating an extra crunchy exterior without soggy bottoms.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Press the cornflake mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use crushed gluten-free cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the hot sauce quantity to make the dish mild or extra fiery, tailoring the heat to individual taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for convenience.

How To Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent soggy breading.
• Reheat Oven: Warm chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Place on a wire rack or baking sheet to help maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave Option: If in a hurry, reheat for 30-45 seconds. Keep in mind this method might soften the crunchy coating slightly.
• Prevent Dryness: Drizzle a little extra hot honey glaze before reheating to help retain moisture and refresh the flavor profile.

What Tastes Great With Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, carrots, and green onions to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Cooling Drink: Serve an ice-cold wheat beer or a crisp hard cider that balances the spicy-sweet glaze and cleanses the palate after each bite.
• Match with Creamy Sides: Whip up some smooth mashed potatoes or a creamy mac and cheese to offset the chicken's crunchy texture and spicy-sweet flavor profile.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and help balance the hot honey's intense flavors.

Try These Variations On Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Spicy Coconut Crunch: Replace cornflakes with toasted coconut flakes and add cayenne pepper to the breading for a tropical heat sensation. Mix coconut milk into the glaze for extra richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Swap cornflakes with herbed breadcrumbs, incorporate dried oregano and thyme into the coating. Create a glaze using olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a zesty Mediterranean profile.
• Korean Gochujang Kick: Substitute hot sauce with gochujang in the glaze. Add ginger and sesame seeds to the cornflake breading. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for authentic Korean flair.
• Maple Pecan Crunch: Use crushed pecans instead of cornflakes for the breading. Replace honey with pure maple syrup in the glaze. Add a touch of cinnamon to the coating for warm, sweet notes.

Questions About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

FAQs for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Can I use a different type of cereal for the coating?

Yes, you can substitute cornflakes with breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed rice cereal for a similar crunchy texture.

• How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you use. For a milder version, use less hot sauce or choose a mild variety like Frank’s RedHot.

• What are the best sides to serve with this chicken?

Recommended sides include coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad to balance the spicy and sweet flavors.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour, swap cornflakes for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal, and ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy “Hot Honey Chicken” delivers a crispy sensation that blends sweet and fiery flavors in perfect harmony. Home cooks will savor this irresistible dish that combines golden-brown crunch with zesty honey glaze, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Glaze Ingredients:

• Olive oil or cooking spray
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 425F (220C). Position a wire rack atop a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create three separate breading stations: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a mixture of crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Transform each chicken breast into a crispy delight by thoroughly coating in flour, followed by a generous egg dip, then pressing firmly into the cornflake seasoning mixture to ensure complete coverage.
4. Carefully position the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared rack, misting lightly with oil to enhance crispiness. Slide into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165F.
5. Simultaneously craft a vibrant glaze by combining honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and a splash of vinegar in a small mixing bowl, whisking until the ingredients meld into a harmonious blend.
6. Once the chicken achieves perfect crispness, remove from the oven and generously brush with the prepared hot honey glaze, ensuring each piece receives an even coating of sweet and spicy goodness.
7. Present the glazed chicken immediately, accompanied by your preferred side dishes, allowing the crisp exterior and succulent interior to tantalize the taste buds.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them before breading to promote uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version, replacing standard flour with almond or rice flour.
• Allow breaded chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for a personalized heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg