Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you like your chicken with a serious crunch and a fiery-sweet drizzle, you simply have to try Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Golden on the outside, juicy in the center, and finished with an irresistible spicy honey glaze, this family-favorite recipe brings the comfort of fried chicken—minus the mess and grease—right to your oven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of powerhouse pantry staples. Each ingredient is chosen to maximize crunch, flavor, and color—without adding extra work to your day. Here’s why they all matter!

• Cornflakes (6 cups): These give your chicken that signature crunchy coating. Go gluten free if needed—just make sure they’re plain and unsweetened.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Adds a savory, umami boost and helps the crunch stick to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Gives warmth, depth, and a gorgeous golden color to the crust.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder (½ tsp each): These two bring irresistible allium flavor to both the breading and the sauce.
• Large Eggs (2, beaten): The eggs help the crunch coat cling and add moisture.
• Hot Sauce (2 tbsp for coating + 2-3 tbsp for honey): Use your favorite brand for a tangy, fiery punch—this flavors both the chicken and the hot honey sauce.
• Chicken Breast Tenderloins (2 lbs): These are easy to coat and cook evenly; chicken breast strips also work well.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A quick drizzle before baking promotes even browning and crunch.
• Honey (½ cup): Brings out that signature sticky-sweet element in the hot honey drizzle!
• Cayenne Pepper (1-3 tsp) & Chipotle Chili Powder (¾ tsp): These spices give the sauce customizable heat with a subtle smokiness.
• Sea Salt: Brightens up every layer of flavor—don’t skip it!
• Fresh Thyme, Cilantro, or Parsley: A fresh herb finish makes every bite pop.

Variations

The beauty of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is how easily you can customize it! Whether you want to dial up the spice, swap proteins, or adjust for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

• Mild Honey Chicken: Omit the cayenne and chipotle in the honey sauce and swap in a milder hot sauce for a gentle heat the whole family can enjoy.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Just double-check that your cornflakes (and all sauces) are certified gluten free—no one will notice the difference!
• Different Proteins: Use boneless chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even cauliflower florets for a plant-based twist.
• Dairy Free: Simply leave out the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the crunch completely dairy-free.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning—nothing sticks, and you’ll get that perfect golden crust!

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

Pulse the cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a big pinch of salt in a food processor until you have fine, sand-like crumbs. No food processor? No problem—just put everything in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin, or even gently step on it for fun! Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl for easy dredging.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add a little hot sauce for flavor. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat thoroughly. Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken through the crunchy crumbs, pressing gently to ensure full coverage. For extra-thick crunch, double dip: repeat the egg and crumb step!

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Drizzle (don’t soak!) with olive oil—it helps the crust get beautifully crisp and golden. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway if you’d like, until the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm gently until fragrant and thin, but don’t let it boil—just enough to blend and pour. If it thickens while waiting, just zap in the microwave for a few seconds.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken emerges sizzling and golden, drizzle generously with that spicy honey glaze and shower with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and joy!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Finish with a scattering of fresh thyme, chopped cilantro, or parsley—whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. A final drizzle of hot honey and maybe even a little flaky sea salt tip each piece over the top with brightness and that “wow” factor!

Side Dishes

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with cooling sides like slaw, potato salad, or cornbread. For something green, serve with fresh salads or roasted veggies to balance the heat and crunch. A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes is never a bad idea, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the hot honey chicken over salads, tucking it into wraps or tacos, or stacking it on fluffy slider buns for game day. For parties, slice into bite-sized nuggets and serve with extra sauce for dunking—everyone’s happy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust stays surprisingly crisp for up to 2–3 days, and any extra sauce can be kept separately in a small jar.

Freezing

Freeze cooked, cooled chicken (without sauce) in a single layer until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and pop back in the oven until warmed through—then add hot honey just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F until the crust is re-crisped and the chicken heated through, about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that magical crunch—so use the oven whenever possible!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken a go next time you’re craving something bold yet effortless—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. I think you’ll love the crackly golden crust and the sticky-sweet heat from that homemade hot honey. Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen—enjoy every delicious bite!

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