Crispy, golden, and perfectly spiced, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Juicy chicken tenderloins are coated in a flavorful cornflake crust, baked until crunchy, and finished with a sweet and spicy drizzle of homemade hot honey. It’s an oven-fried twist on a classic, packed with bold flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the mess of deep frying. The cornflake coating adds a toasty, crispy texture, while the parmesan and spices infuse the chicken with savory depth. The hot honey is the standout element—sweet, spicy, and slightly smoky, it ties the dish together and elevates every bite. It’s easy to make, gluten-free friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
- grated parmesan cheese
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- large eggs
- hot sauce
- chicken breast tenderloins
- extra virgin olive oil
For the Hot Honey:
- honey
- hot sauce
- cayenne pepper
- chipotle chili powder
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- sea salt
- fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Crush the cornflakes using a food processor or by hand until they resemble fine crumbs. Combine with parmesan, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then coat with the cornflake mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden, crisp, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm over low heat until just combined and fragrant. Season with sea salt to taste.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 403 kcal per serving
Variations
- Milder Version: Reduce or omit cayenne and chipotle powder for a less spicy version.
- Extra-Crispy: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and cornflake step for even more crunch.
- Cheese Swap: Use shredded cheddar or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, turning once.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, and a plant-based egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, just slice them into strips to mimic tenderloins and adjust baking time slightly based on thickness.
What’s the best way to crush the cornflakes?
A food processor works best, but you can also place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake and drizzle with hot honey just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes, it is entirely gluten-free.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and chipotle chili powder to tone down the heat.
Can I skip the parmesan cheese?
Yes, but it adds a nice umami flavor. You can substitute with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The heat is adjustable—start with less cayenne and taste as you go to control the spice level.
Can I store the hot honey separately?
Yes, it keeps well in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for balance.
Can I freeze the baked chicken?
Yes, freeze baked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings the perfect balance of crispy texture, juicy meat, and sweet-heat glaze. It’s ideal for busy nights, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd. With its simple preparation and bold taste, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combo of crispy, juicy, and spicy-sweet. Chicken tenderloins are coated in a golden cornflake crust and baked to perfection, then drizzled with a bold hot honey sauce. A family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or easy entertaining—without the mess of frying!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons hot sauce
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2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
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Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Hot Honey:
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1/2 cup honey
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2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
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1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Sea salt, to taste
-
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
-
Crush cornflakes until fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand. Mix with parmesan, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
-
In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and hot sauce.
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Dip each chicken tenderloin in egg mixture, then dredge in cornflake coating, pressing to adhere.
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Place on prepared sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
For the Hot Honey:
7. Combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan.
8. Warm over low heat until just combined and fragrant. Season with sea salt.
To Serve:
9. Drizzle hot honey over baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
Use gluten-free cornflakes if needed for a fully gluten-free meal.
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Adjust the cayenne in the honey to your spice level.
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Leftovers reheat well in an air fryer or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
