Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that combines crispy texture, a touch of spicy heat, and the sweet embrace of honey, the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together the satisfying crunch of cornflake-coated chicken with a fiery yet balanced hot honey glaze, all baked perfectly to golden perfection. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes for an impressive meal that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this irresistible dish. Each one plays a vital role — from the crispy coating to the sweet heat of the glaze, these ingredients come together to create layers of texture and flavor you’ll love.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These juicy cuts are the perfect canvas for the crunchy coating and spicy honey glaze.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere and creates a light base crust for the cornflakes to stick to.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue between the flour and cornflake layers for maximum crunch.
• 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed: The star of the show that delivers that addictive, crispy crunch everyone loves.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweet and spicy glaze.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For a mild, smoky depth that enhances the yellow-gold color of the coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors alive.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight bite that pairs perfectly with the hot honey sauce.
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil: Used to grease the baking rack so the chicken crisps evenly without sticking.
• 1/4 cup honey: Provides the natural sweetness that balances out the spicy kick in the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adjust this to your preferred spice level for a perfectly fiery finish.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze coat the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens up the hot honey glaze.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly while getting that perfect crispy exterior. Set up a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil. This setup is crucial because it lets air circulate around the chicken, which helps keep the breading crunchy all around.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Next, create a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second, and mix the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third. This step not only organizes your coating process but ensures every bite is bursting with flavor from the seasoning in the cornflake mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Time for the fun part. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, making sure to lightly dust all sides. Then, dunk it in the beaten eggs so the coating sticks well. Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake mixture. This triple coating layer is what gives the chicken an unbeatable crunch and full-bodied flavor you’ll be dreaming about.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place each coated chicken breast on the prepared wire rack. Bake them for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The wire rack helps the heat circulate evenly creating that classic baked crispy crust without extra oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, whisk together honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This glaze achieves harmony between sweet, spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors that elevate this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe to a whole new level.

Step 6: Apply the Glaze

Right after you pull the chicken out of the oven, generously brush the hot honey glaze over each piece. The warmth of the freshly baked chicken helps the sauce soak in just the right amount while maintaining its glossy, sticky allure.

Step 7: Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to let the glaze set slightly. This pause allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making the first bite as satisfying as the last.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the dish’s flavor profile and presentation. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a fresh, vibrant contrast. A few thin slices of red chili or a light drizzle of extra hot honey can amp up the glam and spice if you’re serving friends who love a kick.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines brightest when paired with simple, complementary sides. Creamy coleslaw with a hint of tang helps balance the heat and sweetness, while roasted seasonal vegetables add color and wholesome texture. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or crispy fries make a perfect indulgent match.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling a bit adventurous? Try serving the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe chopped over a fresh, peppery arugula salad with avocado slices and a light lemon vinaigrette. Or arrange the chicken on a platter with a few small bowls of extra hot honey glaze and ranch dip for a shareable appetizer vibe. It’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the next day’s lunch or dinner without sacrificing that delightful crunch and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time or save leftovers for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to keep the crunchy coating intact. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture after refrigeration or freezing, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This gentle reheating keeps the coating crisp and the chicken juicy inside.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The spice level depends on the amount and type of hot sauce you use. Start with 2 tablespoons as directed, then tweak to your taste by adding more or less. For a milder glaze, reduce the hot sauce or use a milder variety.

Can I make the cornflake coating gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap out regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free. This way, the recipe stays safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack for baking?

Using a wire rack is highly recommended because it lets air circulate under the chicken, which helps keep the coating crispy without needing to fry. If you don’t have one, use a greased baking sheet but flip the chicken halfway through baking to avoid sogginess.

Can I prepare the chicken coating ahead of time?

You can prepare the coating mixtures in advance and store them separately for a day or two. However, it’s best to coat the chicken fresh before baking to maintain maximum crispness.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a showstopper you’ll want in your regular rotation. It’s approachable yet impressive, delivering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that’s just downright addictive. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this crave-worthy dish—your taste buds will thank you!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy cornflake crust and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze, this recipe is a delicious fusion of sweet heat and satisfying crunch that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Breading

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)

Hot Honey Glaze

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second dish. In a third dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful and crunchy coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating it completely. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage. Finally, press the chicken breasts into the cornflake mixture, making sure the coating adheres well for maximum crunchiness.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, mix together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This glaze combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to elevate the dish.
6. Apply the Glaze: As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, generously brush the hot honey glaze over each breast to coat them with sticky sweetness and spice.
7. Serve: Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. This crunchy hot honey chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spice level to your preference.
• Using a wire rack for baking helps keep the chicken crispy by allowing air to circulate around it.
• If you want extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and cornflake steps once more before baking.
• Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure cornflakes are gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American