This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer! Featuring a crispy cornflake crust and a sweet and spicy honey sauce, it’s a dish that everyone in the family will love. The secret? A double coat of crumbs for that extra crunch. The star of the show, however, is the homemade hot honey sauce—a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a hint of smokiness. This easy sheet-pan dinner is ideal for busy weeknights and will quickly become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Crunchy – Thanks to the cornflake coating, this chicken comes out golden and crisp every time.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a hassle-free baking method make this a stress-free meal.
✔ Flavor-Packed – A delicious blend of parmesan, garlic, paprika, and honey-hot sauce makes every bite irresistible.
✔ Family-Friendly – A meal the whole family will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 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 garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
2. Make the Crunchy Coating
In a food processor, combine cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture turns into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
3. Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss until fully coated.
Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coating. For an extra-crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the eggs and recoat with crumbs before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Chicken
Lightly drizzle the coated chicken with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until well combined and warmed through.
6. Drizzle and Serve
Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over each piece. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This crispy hot honey chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Sweet potato fries – A great balance to the spicy honey sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
- A fresh green salad – Something light with a tangy dressing to complement the heat.
- Rice or mashed potatoes – To soak up that delicious sauce!
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken
✅ Double Coating: Dipping the chicken twice in the cornflake mixture ensures extra crunch.
✅ Crush Cornflakes Well: A fine crumb consistency helps them adhere better to the chicken.
✅ Adjust the Spice: Reduce the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.
✅ Reheat Properly: Use an air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crispy when reheating.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or use an air fryer for the best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – A crispy, spicy appetizer.
- Oven-Fried Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken – Bite-sized and delicious!
- Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings – Another sweet and spicy favorite.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – A great vegetarian alternative!
Try This Recipe & Share!
If you make this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, leave a comment and rating below! I love seeing your recreations, so tag me on Instagram if you give it a try. Happy cooking!
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