Simple cornflake-crusted chicken baked up on a sheet pan until crispy and delicious, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is perfect for any gathering. This dish offers a delightful combination of crunch and sweetness, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, its unique flavor profile and easy preparation will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Texture: The cornflake crust gives the chicken an irresistible crunch that you won’t want to miss.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or finger food at parties, it fits in any dining scenario.
- Flavor Packed: The hot honey sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the taste.
- Healthier Option: Baked rather than fried, this chicken is a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Using the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving that perfect crunch.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowl
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool quickly turns cornflakes into fine crumbs for an even coating.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and crispiness while keeping cleanup easy with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls: Great for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
Ingredients
For the Cornflake Coating
- 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten free, if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Chicken Preparation
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornflake Coating
In a food processor:
1. Combine cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
2. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush them in a ziplock bag by stepping on it.
Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in hot sauce.
- Add chicken tenderloins to the egg mixture and toss well to coat.
- Dredge each piece through the cornflake crumbs until fully covered. For extra crunchiness:
- Dip back in egg then re-coat with crumbs before placing on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy all around.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While baking:
In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Warm honey with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, plus salt to taste.
Once combined and warmed through:
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle warm sauce over baked chicken. Top with fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro before serving. If sauce thickens too much during preparation, warm briefly in the microwave.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your deliciously Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a family dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious plate.
- Pair with fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling, wholesome meal.
In a Sandwich
- Layer the chicken in a toasted bun with coleslaw and pickles for a tasty twist.
- Add avocado and your favorite sauce for an extra creamy texture.
On a Salad
- Slice the chicken over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the heat from the chicken.
As Finger Food
- Cut into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Offer alongside dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
With Tortillas
- Wrap pieces of chicken in soft tortillas with fresh veggies and salsa for quick tacos.
- Top with cilantro and lime for an extra kick.
How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Achieving the ideal Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is all about technique. Follow these tips for the best results every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts and quality spices enhance flavor significantly.
- Achieve optimal crispiness: Drizzle olive oil generously over the coated chicken before baking to ensure it becomes perfectly crispy.
- Monitor cooking time: Keeping an eye on the baking time prevents overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
- Double coat for crunch: For an extra crunchy texture, dip the chicken twice in the egg mixture and crumbs.
- Let it rest after baking: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some delicious options to complement your main dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting addition.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy slaw adds brightness and balances the sweetness of honey.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts bring a delightful bitterness that contrasts well with sweet flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds summer vibes to your meal; grill or boil them as you prefer.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad featuring cucumbers, vinegar, and dill enhances your dish’s flavor profile.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food offers creamy goodness that kids love and adults enjoy too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken an absolute hit. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using stale cornflakes – Stale cornflakes won’t give you that desired crunch. Always use fresh cornflakes for the best texture.
- Not preheating the oven – Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to ensure even baking for perfectly crispy chicken.
- Skipping the egg wash – The egg mixture helps the crumbs stick better. Don’t skip this step if you want a thick, crunchy coating.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too much chicken on one sheet can lead to steaming instead of baking. Make sure there’s space for air circulation.
- Ignoring internal temperature – Undercooking chicken is a big no-no. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Oven – Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently, until warm. This may soften the crunchiness.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken that you might find helpful.
Can I use other coatings instead of cornflakes?
Yes! You can try using crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture while still achieving that crunchy finish.
What kind of hot sauce works best?
Any brand of hot sauce works, but choose one that balances well with honey. Look for sauces that have a good flavor profile beyond just heat.
How spicy is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bake it right before serving for maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by varying the spices or adding different herbs. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any meal!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Enjoy crispy and flavorful Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflakes
- 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
- fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sea salt until finely crumbled. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and hot sauce. Coat chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture, then dredge in cornflake crumbs until fully covered.
- Place coated chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey with hot sauce and spices in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Drizzle warm sauce over baked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it back in the egg mixture and then re-coating with crumbs before baking. Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce.