Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
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; 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Sea salt, to taste; Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that’s a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crispy, look no further than Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This is one of those dishes guaranteed to have everyone at the table eagerly reaching for seconds. The irresistibly crunchy coating, savory hints of parmesan, and a sticky, fiery hot honey glaze create an unforgettable flavor that’ll instantly upgrade your weeknight dinner lineup. Whether you’re making it for family or friends, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will win hearts and taste buds with every bite!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can create such magic! Everything here plays a big part, from the crunchy coating to the irresistibly sweet and spicy sauce. Let’s break it down so you know exactly why each item is a must.

Cornflakes: The ultimate secret to that shatteringly crispy crust, these add crunch without any frying.
Grated parmesan cheese: Provides a savory depth and a bit of nutty saltiness to the breading.
Smoked paprika: Gives the coating an earthy, subtly smoky kick that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Onion powder: Adds savory flavor notes that draw everything together.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with warm, garlicky flavor in every bite.
Large eggs: These act as the glue, helping the crumb coating stick like a dream.
Hot sauce: Brings zing to both the chicken and the honey glaze, building layers of spicy flavor.
Chicken breast tenderloins: The perfect cut for juicy, tender bites that cook evenly and quickly.
Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle encourages that golden, crispy finish in the oven—for max crunch!
Honey: The star of the sauce, giving a sticky sweetness that balances the heat beautifully.
Cayenne pepper: Controls the heat factor; adjust for your family’s spice preference.
Chipotle chili powder: Deepens the flavor with some smoky warmth and color.
Sea salt: Brightens and ties together all the flavors.
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley: Adds a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor for the perfect final touch.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup so easy, and set it aside. A hot oven is key for getting that golden, crispy crust without frying.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

In a food processor, combine your cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of sea salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs with a lovely orange hue. No food processor? Just put everything in a large zip-top bag and crush away—stomping on the bag is oddly satisfying!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add your beaten eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce to a big bowl and give it a quick stir. Toss in the chicken tenders, making sure each piece gets totally coated. Next, dredge the eggy chicken in your cornflake crumb mixture, gently pressing so every inch is covered. For the crunchiest result, double-dip: go back into the egg, then crumbs a second time. Lay each piece on your lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway if you like ultra-even crisp. The coating should be deep golden and satisfyingly crisp, while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken finishes baking, add your honey, remaining hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, just until everything is blended. Taste and adjust the spice to your liking. If the sauce thickens up before you’re ready, a few seconds in the microwave will make it pourable again.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, generously drizzle it with that hot honey sauce. Top with lots of chopped fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for color and freshness, and get ready to devour the best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken you’ve ever tasted!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

For optimal flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with heaps of fresh thyme, parsley, or cilantro right before serving. You could also add a few extra drizzles of the hot honey for an irresistible glossy finish, plus a scatter of flaky sea salt for crunch and a hit of brightness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs well with so many things! Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to balance the heat. Roasted veggies or even a creamy slaw are perfect to round out the meal while letting that sweet-spicy chicken shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a fresh green bowl, tucked into warm slider buns with pickles, or even as a star ingredient in wraps. The sweet heat of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken means it stands out, no matter how you dish it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and the hot honey sauce separately if possible, so the coating stays at its crunchiest.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully! Arrange the cooled baked tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce in a separate container.

Reheating

Pop the tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Warm the hot honey sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop—just until pourable—then drizzle over just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast tenderloins?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier, although you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking. Just be sure they reach a safe internal temperature, and enjoy the extra flavor.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

If you like mild heat, start with less cayenne and hot sauce in both the coating and the glaze. For a serious kick, max out the cayenne and use your favorite super-hot sauce in the honey.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before coating, and firmly press the cornflake mixture onto each piece. Double-dipping (egg, crumbs, egg, crumbs) works wonders for keeping everything in place and boosting crunch.

Do I need a food processor for the cornflakes?

No worries if you don’t have one! Place the cornflakes and seasonings in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands. Even stepping on the bag can do the trick!

Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken gluten free?

Yes, simply opt for gluten-free cornflakes and double-check that your other ingredients (especially the hot sauce) are gluten free. The results are just as crunchy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

Ready to thrill your taste buds? Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is bound to become your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers the perfect marriage of crunch, spice, and sticky-sweetness. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple, crowd-pleasing, and downright fun this dish is to make and share!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and crunchy hot honey chicken recipe that’s perfect for a flavorful dinner. The chicken is coated in a crispy cornflake and parmesan crust, baked to perfection, and then drizzled with a spicy and sweet honey sauce.

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the coating: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Pulse to create fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag. Transfer to a bowl.
Coat the chicken: Beat the eggs, add hot sauce, and coat the chicken in the mixture. Dredge the chicken through the cornflake crumbs, ensuring full coverage. Optionally, repeat for a thicker coating. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Prepare the hot honey sauce: In a sauce pot, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle over the baked chicken.
Serve: Top with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley. Reheat the sauce if it thickens. Enjoy!

Notes

You can adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce to suit your taste.
For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken with the egg and cornflake mixture.
Make sure to drizzle the honey sauce over the chicken right before serving for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American