Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If your tastebuds are ready for a crave-worthy upgrade, you’re going to fall in love with this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. It’s impossibly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and gets the most irresistible kick from a homemade hot honey drizzle that’s both sweet and spicy—no deep-frying required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the short but mighty ingredient list behind this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Each component is chosen with intention: for flavor, crispiness, and that unforgettable sweet-heat finish.

• Cornflakes: These are crushed to become the ultimate crispy coating. They’re naturally gluten-free (just check your brand!) and bring a light, shattering crunch.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth that clings beautifully to the crust and helps everything turn golden-brown in the oven.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses the chicken with a gentle smoky warmth that plays perfectly with the sweet heat of the honey.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These basics add big flavor into every bite—don’t skip!
• Large Eggs & Hot Sauce: This duo makes a zippy bath that helps the coating stick and starts the flavor layering process.
• Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking. You can use regular chicken breasts cut into strips if needed.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle before baking ensures the coating crisps up without drying out.
• Honey: Forms the base of the sticky, glossy hot honey sauce. Choose a good-quality, floral honey if possible.
• More Hot Sauce, Cayenne, & Chipotle Chili Powder: These provide layers of heat in the sauce—adjust to your spice preference, from tingly to blazing!
• Fresh Thyme, Cilantro, or Parsley: A final, fresh sprinkling that brings color and a burst of herby flavor to finish the dish.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how easily you can riff on it! Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken adapts to your favorite flavors, spice tolerance, and even your pantry’s mood.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Just make sure your cornflakes are gluten-free (some brands add wheat)—you won’t lose a bit of crunch or flavor.
• Dial Up the Spice: Love serious heat? Add more cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños after baking for extra punch.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the tenderloins for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor and even juicier bites.
• Honey Alternatives: Maple syrup or agave can give a slightly different sweetness in the hot honey drizzle—great if you’re out of honey.
• Dairy-Free Version: Omit the parmesan or use a plant-based version—it’s still deliciously crisp!

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. The high heat is key for that signature, shatteringly crisp crust while the parchment makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your chicken won’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

In a food processor, combine your cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until everything becomes fine, sand-like crumbs. No processor? Pop the mixture in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin—or even step on it for fun! Pour the crumbs into a shallow wide bowl so you’ll have plenty of room for dredging.

Step 3: Egg Dip and Dredge

Beat the eggs in a bowl and add a little hot sauce for a zesty start. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture so they’re all nicely coated—this ensures the breading will really stick. Take each piece of chicken and dredge it through the cornflake mixture, pressing down so you get loads of those crunchy bits. For the ultimate thick, ultra-crunchy crust, double-dip: back into the eggs and crumbs for a second round before placing them on your baking sheet.

Step 4: Drizzle and Bake

Space the coated chicken out on your prepared baking sheet and give each piece a light drizzle of olive oil. This little step helps the coating fry up golden and crisp as it bakes. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and gloriously crunchy all over.

Step 5: Hot Honey Magic

As the chicken finishes baking, whip up the dynamite sauce! Gently heat the honey, your choice of hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan until warm and pourable. The flavors will meld into a sticky, spicy, sweet glaze—if it thickens up, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick.

Step 6: Drizzle & Serve

Before serving, generously drizzle that glorious hot honey all over the crispy chicken. Top with a handful of fresh herbs for color and an extra pop of flavor. Get ready for that first perfect bite!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley on top isn’t just pretty—it brings a fragrant, garden-fresh balance to the spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving also takes things over the top!

Side Dishes

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken absolutely shines with classic comfort sides. Think cool and creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad tossed with lemon. For a Southern spin, serve it over fluffy buttermilk biscuits or with corn on the cob dripping with more hot honey.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken as a slider with tangy pickles on toasted buns, sliced over a hearty grain bowl, or as the star in a vibrant salad with lots of crunchy veggies. For a crowd, pile pieces high on a platter, drizzled generously with hot honey and herbs, and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey separate if possible, so the coating stays at its crunchiest until you’re ready to reheat and drizzle.

Freezing

The baked chicken freezes beautifully before saucing! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy, then add the fresh hot honey just before serving for that freshly-made taste.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the chicken on a wire rack in a hot oven (about 400°F) until sizzling and crunchy again, about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but the coating will be softer. Briefly rewarm the hot honey so it’s silky and pourable before drizzling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something worth celebrating—and it couldn’t be easier. I hope you give it a try soon; it’s a true crowd-pleaser with flavor you’ll want to make again and again. Let me know how you make it your own!

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