Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion! This recipe features juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a flavorful cornflake crust, baked until crispy and golden. The addition of hot honey elevates the dish with a sweet and spicy kick that everyone will love. From weeknight dinners to game day gatherings, this versatile meal is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
- Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating gives the chicken a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with its juicy interior.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey and hot sauce creates a delicious glaze that adds depth to every bite.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chicken can be made ahead of time and reheats well, making it great for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process. Having the right equipment ensures everything goes smoothly from prep to plate.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space for the chicken to bake evenly while allowing air circulation for maximum crispiness.
- Food processor: Quickly transforms cornflakes into fine crumbs, saving you time compared to manual crushing.
- Shallow bowl: Ideal for dredging chicken in crumbs, ensuring full coverage without making a mess.
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 Hot Honey 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 Garnishing
- 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 make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornflake Coating
In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them by stepping on them. Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, beat the eggs and add hot sauce. Toss in the chicken tenderloins to coat thoroughly. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornflake mixture until fully covered. If you prefer an extra-thick coating, dip each piece back into the egg mixture and then again into the cornflakes before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 4: Bake Until Crisp
Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it is crispy all around.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
While your chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt. Stir until warmed through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, drizzle warm hot honey sauce over your crispy chicken tenders. Top with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor. If needed, warm any leftover sauce in the microwave for about 5 seconds before serving.
Enjoy your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken as an appetizer or main course that everyone will rave about!
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience! This flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its crunchy texture and sweet heat. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons create a classic pairing.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy sweetness of the chicken.
- Garden Salad – Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offer freshness to balance the richness.
Add Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken.
- Honey Mustard – This sweet and tangy dip enhances the honey flavor in the chicken.
- Sriracha Aioli – A spicy garlic mayonnaise can take your dish to another level of flavor.
Serve with Grain Options
- Quinoa – Fluffy quinoa is a healthy base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf – A seasoned rice pilaf adds an aromatic touch to your plate.
How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
To achieve the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, follow these essential tips. They will help you maximize flavor and texture for an unforgettable dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensuring your spices and herbs are fresh will enhance overall flavor.
- Crush Cornflakes Well – The finer the crumbs, the better they adhere to the chicken for that perfect crunch.
- Bake on Parchment Paper – Using parchment helps prevent sticking and allows for even baking.
- Monitor Cooking Time – Keep an eye on the chicken; overcooking can lead to dryness. Aim for golden brown perfection!
- Add Extra Drizzle of Sauce Before Serving – A final touch of hot honey sauce right before serving elevates its flavor profile.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures it stays juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Pairing sides with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes with garlic add comfort and richness alongside spicy chicken.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn offers a delightful crunch and pairs well with honey flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring color and nutrition to your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese – The creamy cheese sauce is a kid-friendly favorite that balances spice nicely.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy fries provide sweetness that pairs beautifully with hot honey chicken.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus adds elegance and freshness as a side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland chicken. Be sure to season the cornflake mixture and the chicken well.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at a lower temperature may result in soggy chicken. Always preheat your oven to 425° F for optimal crispiness.
- Not using a baking sheet: Cooking directly on the oven rack can create mess and uneven cooking. Always line a baking sheet with parchment paper for best results.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many chicken pieces on the sheet pan can cause them to steam instead of bake. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Ignoring sauce thickness: If your hot honey sauce thickens too much, it won’t drizzle well. Keep it warm or microwave it briefly before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They 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 in short bursts, checking frequently, until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, covering to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken breast tenderloins, you can substitute thighs or even turkey if desired.
How spicy is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just ensure you use gluten-free cornflakes and check any additional sauces for gluten content.
What sides pair well with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?
This dish goes great with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Is there a way to prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it in crumbs ahead of time. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to bake!
Final Thoughts
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting the spices or trying different dipping sauces. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 pieces 1x
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful fusion of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. This recipe features tender chicken coated in a golden cornflake crust and drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that adds an irresistible kick. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable spice levels, you can tailor the heat to suit your taste. Serve it as an appetizer or main course, and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflakes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
- 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)
- sea salt
- fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley (for garnishing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until fine crumbs form.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in hot sauce. Coat chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornflake mixture.
- Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey and hot sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Drizzle warm sauce over baked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
