Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy cornflake crust with a sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for chicken lovers, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this dish can be whipped up in no time.
• Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating creates a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The honey combined with hot sauce gives an irresistible flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, it fits perfectly into any meal plan or gathering.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of sweet and savory, making it a hit for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor or ziplock bags
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the chicken, ensuring it bakes uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Food processor: Quickly transforms cornflakes into fine crumbs, saving time on preparation.

Ingredients

Simple cornflake-crusted chicken baked up on a sheet pan until crispy and delicious – loved by everyone!

For the 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

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the 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 Serving

• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a food processor:
1. Combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, place cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them by stepping on them.
3. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add hot sauce.
2. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture until well coated.
3. Dredge each piece through the cornflake crumbs until fully covered. For extra thickness:
4. Dip back into the egg mixture.
5. Then through the crumbs again before placing on the baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp all around.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Just before serving:
1. In a saucepan, warm together honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Drizzle this warm sauce over your baked chicken right before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Top with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish. If your sauce thickens too much while waiting to serve, warm it briefly in the microwave (about 5 seconds). Enjoy your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh mixed greens: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of fresh mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
• Spinach salad: Pair with spinach, sliced strawberries, and a light vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Creamy ranch: Offer ranch dressing as a cool complement to the spicy chicken.
• Blue cheese sauce: A rich blue cheese dip enhances the flavors and adds creaminess.

As Sliders

• Mini buns: Serve small portions of chicken on slider buns for easy-to-eat bites at parties.
• Toppings: Add pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch and flavor.

In Tacos

• Corn tortillas: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm corn tortillas with avocado and salsa.
• Cabbage slaw: Top with crunchy cabbage slaw for added texture.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Cilantro lime rice: Serve alongside cilantro lime rice for a zesty side that complements the dish.
• Quinoa salad: Pair with a quinoa salad mixed with vegetables for added nutrition.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Achieving the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken turns out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Crush cornflakes finely: The finer your cornflake crumbs, the better they adhere to the chicken, resulting in crispiness.
• Double dip for extra crunch: For an even thicker crust, dip the chicken in egg and crumbs twice before baking.
• Drizzle olive oil generously: A good drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that golden brown color we all love in baked dishes.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure there’s enough space between pieces on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispness.
• Check internal temperature: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that balances heat.
2. Coleslaw – A classic crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and contrast to the spicy flavors of the chicken.
3. Corn on the Cob – Boiled or grilled corn on the cob brings sweetness that complements hot honey perfectly.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color, flavor, and nutrients to your plate.
5. Macaroni and Cheese – A cheesy macaroni dish offers comfort alongside your crunchy chicken.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness and crunch, making them a great pairing.
7. Couscous Salad – Light couscous salad tossed with herbs can add a refreshing element to your meal.
8. Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans add richness and are an excellent complement to any barbecue-style dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marination – Not allowing the chicken to soak in the egg and hot sauce mixture can lead to bland flavors. Always let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
• Using low-quality cornflakes – Cheap cornflakes may not provide the crunch you want. Opt for fresh, high-quality cornflakes for a crispy texture.
• Not preheating the oven – Forgetting to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is at 425° F before baking.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too many chicken pieces on one sheet can cause steaming instead of crisping. Space them out for even cooking and browning.
• Neglecting to drizzle with olive oil – Skipping this step can make your chicken less crispy. A light drizzle helps achieve that golden crunch.

Pin this!

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

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 350° F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water and cover briefly until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken that might help you further.

How do I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cornflakes and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or wings if desired, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.

Is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken spicy?

The spice level depends on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. Adjust these ingredients based on your preference for heat.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different spices or sauces according to your taste. This recipe is sure to be loved by everyone in your family, making it an excellent choice for any occasion!