If you love the combination of crispy, crunchy chicken with a sweet and spicy twist, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is going to be your new favorite dish. Unlike deep-fried alternatives, this recipe uses the oven to achieve that perfect crunch while keeping things a little lighter. The cornflake crust locks in juiciness, while the homemade hot honey glaze adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is bound to impress. It pairs perfectly with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Plus, it’s easy to customize adjust the spice level in the glaze to suit your taste, and you’ve got a go-to crispy chicken recipe that the whole family will love!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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 to taste)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven – Set 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.
- Prepare the Breading Station – In separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken – Dip each chicken breast into the flour (shake off excess), then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned cornflakes mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken for extra crunch.
- Bake the Chicken – Place the breaded chicken breasts on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 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 spice level to your liking.
- Glaze the Chicken – Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let the chicken cool slightly before serving. Pair with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – The Perfect Sweet & Spicy Delight
If you love the irresistible combination of crispy, crunchy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze, then Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a must-try recipe. This dish brings together the best of both worlds the satisfying crunch of a cornflake-coated baked chicken and the bold, flavorful punch of a hot honey glaze. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this version is baked in the oven, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of this dish is its incredible texture. The coating, made from crushed cornflakes, ensures that every bite is satisfyingly crunchy. Since it’s baked instead of deep-fried, you get all the crispiness with less oil, making it a lighter yet indulgent choice.
The hot honey glaze is what truly sets this recipe apart. The natural sweetness of honey balances out the spiciness from the hot sauce, creating a delicious contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The addition of butter and apple cider vinegar enhances the glaze, giving it a smooth, rich finish with a hint of tanginess.
This dish is also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer a mild kick or an extra spicy glaze, you can easily adjust the level of heat to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great meal option for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual get-togethers.
Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it’s baked instead of fried. While deep-fried chicken is undeniably delicious, it often comes with extra calories and unhealthy fats. Baking the chicken at a high temperature allows it to develop a crispy coating without the need for excessive oil.
Cornflakes serve as an excellent breading alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. They provide a light, crispy texture and a slight sweetness that complements the hot honey glaze perfectly. Additionally, baking on a wire rack ensures that air circulates around the chicken, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a crunchy exterior without becoming greasy.
Perfect Pairings – What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal for any occasion. Here are some great side dish ideas:
- Coleslaw – The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy-sweet glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes adds a hearty and nutritious element to your meal.
- Mashed Potatoes – Classic mashed potatoes balance out the heat with their smooth, buttery flavor.
- Cornbread – The sweetness of cornbread enhances the honey glaze and adds a Southern-style touch.
- Steamed Rice – White or brown rice absorbs the extra glaze, making each bite extra flavorful.
- Fresh Salad – A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and keep the meal balanced.
Tips for the Best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
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Use a Wire Rack for Even Crispiness
- Placing the chicken on a wire rack while baking allows heat to circulate around each piece, ensuring that every part of the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
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Press the Coating Firmly
- When coating the chicken with the crushed cornflakes, press them on firmly. This helps the breading stick and prevents it from falling off during baking.
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Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste
- If you prefer a milder glaze, use less hot sauce or choose a mild variety. For extra heat, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Don’t Skip the Resting Time
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after applying the glaze. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the glaze set without making the coating soggy.
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Try Different Variations
- Experiment with different types of honey, such as clover honey for a mild sweetness or spicy honey for an extra kick.
- Swap out cornflakes for panko breadcrumbs if you prefer a different texture.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the glaze for a hint of citrus.
Why Hot Honey is the Perfect Flavor Booster
Hot honey has gained popularity in recent years as a flavor-enhancing condiment that works well with both savory and sweet dishes. It combines natural honey with a spicy element, such as hot sauce or chili peppers, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances everything from fried chicken to pizza and even roasted vegetables.
In this recipe, the hot honey glaze serves multiple purposes. It adds moisture, enhances the seasoning, and brings a sweet heat that complements the crispy texture of the chicken. Because honey has natural caramelization properties, it gives the chicken a beautiful, glossy finish.
Hot honey is incredibly easy to make at home and can be stored for future use. If you love this recipe, consider making an extra batch of hot honey glaze to drizzle over breakfast foods like waffles or mix into salad dressings for a unique twist.
FAQs About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free cornflakes to make the recipe completely gluten-free.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so they’re a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help retain crispiness.
Q: Can I air-fry the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Yes! You can air-fry the coated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Conclusion:
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors, all while being healthier than traditional fried chicken. The oven-baked cornflake crust ensures that every bite is crunchy, and the hot honey glaze adds a bold, delicious twist that keeps you coming back for more.
This dish is incredibly versatile, family-friendly, and easy to customize, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides, adjust the heat level to your preference, and enjoy a dish that’s both crave-worthy and guilt-free.