Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if needed); 1/4 cup grated cheese alternative; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins; 1/2 cup honey; Fresh herbs for garnish

Published: October 12, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Texture: The cornflake crust ensures that each bite is perfectly crunchy.
Flavorful Sauce: A blend of honey and hot sauce brings a delightful sweetness balanced with heat.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches or wraps.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile makes it a hit at parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Food processor (or ziplock bag)
Shallow bowl
Mixing bowls
Sauce pot

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring consistent cooking throughout the chicken pieces.
Food processor: Quickly turns cornflakes into fine crumbs, saving you time and effort.
Shallow bowl: Perfect for dredging the chicken, allowing for even coating with the crunchy mixture.

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 Garnish

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.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until you get fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them using your hands or a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins to this mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Dredge each piece in the cornflake crumbs until fully covered. For extra crunchiness, dip again in the egg mixture followed by another layer of crumbs.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy all around.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While your chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm together honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, drizzle warm sauce over your chicken pieces just before serving. Top with fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, there are plenty of options to explore.

Sandwiches

Use the crispy chicken as the star ingredient in a sandwich. Layer it with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra hot honey for an exciting lunch.

Salads

Chop the baked chicken and toss it with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a hearty salad that’s perfect for any season.

Tacos

Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas. Top with slaw, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fun taco night option.

Appetizers

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces like ranch or additional hot honey for a tasty appetizer at parties.

Rice Bowls

Place the baked chicken over steamed rice or quinoa. Add veggies and drizzle with hot honey sauce for a filling bowl meal.

Family Style Platter

Present the whole baked chicken on a large platter garnished with herbs. This creates an inviting centerpiece for family dinners.

How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Achieving the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins will yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
Crush Cornflakes Properly: Ensure cornflakes are crushed into fine crumbs for even coating. This helps achieve maximum crunchiness.
Double Dipping: For an extra crispy texture, consider double dipping the chicken in eggs and then in crumbs before baking.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown crust.
Warm Sauce Just Before Serving: Drizzle warm sauce over the chicken right before serving for maximum flavor impact.
Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for personalized spice levels.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the chicken.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and contrast in texture, making it an ideal accompaniment.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness that pairs nicely with hot honey flavors.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers a healthy grain option alongside the chicken.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness that beautifully contrasts the spicy notes of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add earthy flavors while keeping your meal colorful and vibrant.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a crisp, refreshing bite to balance out rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not using parchment paper can lead to sticking and messy clean-up. Always line your baking sheet for easy removal.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too much chicken on one sheet can cause uneven cooking. Give each piece space for air circulation.
Skipping the Double Dredge: Missing the second dip in eggs and crumbs reduces crunchiness. For extra crispiness, double coat your chicken.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can result in soggy chicken. Ensure your oven is preheated to 425° F before baking.
Rushing the Sauce: Making the sauce too quickly may affect flavor. Allow it to warm gently to meld all ingredients perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let the chicken cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

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 about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, reheating for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about preparing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, we’ve got you covered!

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 certified.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken breast tenderloins with thighs or even turkey for a different texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have hot sauce?

If you don’t have hot sauce, you can use sriracha or any favorite spicy sauce as a substitute.

How can I customize the spice level?

Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your preference. For milder flavors, reduce or omit these ingredients.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! This chicken is great for meal prep. Store it in individual containers with sides like veggies or rice for quick meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or main course, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different spices or herbs to suit your taste!

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