Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Healthier than fried chicken but just as satisfying, it’s ideal for dinner or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Coated in seasoned cornflakes and brushed with a delectable hot honey glaze, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The cornflake coating adds crunch, while the hot honey glaze brings a sweet and spicy kick.
• Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, but still irresistibly crispy.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps for a fuss-free dinner.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice in the glaze to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
  1. Flour in the first dish.
  2. Beaten eggs in the second dish.
  3. Crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third dish.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, ensuring even coverage. Shake off any excess.
2. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
3. Coat the chicken in the seasoned cornflake mixture, pressing it firmly to adhere.

Step 4: Place on Wire Rack

• Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack, ensuring space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

• While the chicken bakes, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level.

Step 7: Apply the Glaze

• Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush the hot honey glaze over each piece while it’s still hot.

Step 8: Serve

• Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. Pair with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cornflake mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or gluten-free cornflakes.
• Different Protein: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs, drumsticks, or even shrimp (adjust cooking time accordingly).
• Honey Substitute: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the coating.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-breaded chicken?

Yes, but the flavor and crunch may differ from the homemade coating.

2. How do I crush the cornflakes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.

3. Can I make the glaze less spicy?

Reduce or omit the hot sauce for a milder, sweeter glaze.

4. What other spices can I add to the coating?

Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.

5. Can I air fry this recipe?

Yes, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Serve immediately after glazing, and avoid covering tightly while it’s still hot to prevent steaming.

7. What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a light pasta salad are great options.

8. Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

9. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Omit or reduce the hot sauce for a milder version that kids will love.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy, making it an instant favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish delivers big on flavor and texture without the need for frying. Customize the spice level and pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a healthier, oven-baked take on crispy fried chicken, featuring a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Coated with seasoned crushed cornflakes for the ultimate crunch, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and packed with irresistible taste, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

3. Set up a breading station:
   • Dish 1: All-purpose flour.
   • Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
   • Dish 3: Crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat each chicken breast by:
   • Dipping it into the flour and shaking off the excess.
   • Dipping it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
   • Pressing it into the seasoned cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

5. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack. Leave space between pieces for even cooking.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar.
   • Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spiciness.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze

8. Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven.
9. Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken while it’s still hot.

Step 6: Serve

10. Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then serve with side dishes like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

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Notes

• For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the breading process.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• For gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free cornflakes.
• Try this glaze on wings, drumsticks, or chicken thighs for variation.