Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s equal parts irresistible crunch, fiery-sweet flavor, and pure comfort, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy chicken coated in a golden, crispy cornflake crust, oven-baked (not fried!) and finished with a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze that clings to every bite. Each forkful is pure delight: bold, savory, a kiss of heat, and a whisper of sweetness. This recipe brings a joyful spin to weeknight dinners or casual gatherings — and the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer, just a hearty appetite and a few pantry staples. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken lies in its balanced flavors and simple ingredients. Each one has a purpose, working together for maximum crunch, tenderness, or that signature sweet-heat finish. Get everything ready before you start — you’ll be surprised how quickly it all comes together!

• Cornflakes (6 cups): These form the ultra-crunchy, golden coating — gluten-free brands work beautifully if needed.
• Grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, savory depth and helps the coating crisp up even more.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses gentle smokiness and a warm red color to the crust.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mellow, rounded flavor to both the crust and the glaze.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Used in both the chicken crumb and the hot honey sauce for an all-around zest.
• Large eggs (2, beaten): The glue that helps the crunchy coating stick and bake up thick and crispy.
• Hot sauce (2 tablespoons + 2-3 more for glaze): Splashed into the eggs for tang; doubled for a robust kick in the honey glaze.
• Chicken breast tenderloins (2 pounds): Tender, juicy, and quick to cook — perfect for even breading and even cooking.
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling): Helps the coating crisp in the oven and adds a hint of richness.
• Honey (1/2 cup): The star of the glaze, bringing sticky sweetness to balance out the spice.
• Cayenne pepper (1-3 teaspoons): Use a little for gentle heat, or amp it up if you love things fiery.
• Chipotle chili powder (3/4 teaspoon): Adds smoky, earthy heat for an extra layer of depth in the sauce.
• Sea salt: A pinch in the breading and the glaze draws out all the flavors.
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley: These optional herbs add a last burst of color and brightness for serving.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F — the high temperature guarantees a shatteringly crisp coating without any frying. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze. If you want the ultimate easy transfer, make sure every corner is covered!

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating

Grab your food processor and toss in the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt. Pulse these together until you have fine, sandy crumbs that will cling to the chicken. No food processor? No problem — use a ziplock bag and crush the cornflakes by hand (or even with a gentle stomp!). Dump your crunchy mixture into a shallow bowl, ready for dredging.

Step 3: Dip the Chicken

Whisk the eggs in a bowl with a generous pour of hot sauce; the more hot sauce you add here, the bigger the flavor. Toss your chicken tenderloins in this eggy mixture, making sure every piece is nicely coated. This is the secret to moist, flavorful chicken beneath the crunch.

Step 4: Dredge and Double Coat (Optional)

Now, give each piece of chicken a good roll in the prepared cornflake crumbs. Fancy an ultra-crispy crust? Double dip by repeating the egg and crumb steps. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer on your lined baking sheet, then drizzle or spritz with olive oil — this ensures everything bakes up golden and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the pan into the oven and let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. Don’t flip — just let that heat work its magic. By the time your kitchen fills with the toasty aroma, the coating will be beautifully crisp and the chicken juicy inside.

Step 6: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce

When the chicken is almost done, grab a small sauce pot and combine the honey, the rest of your hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, plus a bit more onion and garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Warm gently just until it’s smooth and pouring consistency — don’t let it boil. This glaze is the soul of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, so taste as you go and adjust the heat to your liking.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, drizzle that hot honey glaze all over. The sauce soaks into every crackle of crunch and turns each bite into a party. For a final flourish, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs — thyme, cilantro, or parsley — for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A finishing touch of fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley elevates every plate with a burst of green and just a hint of garden-fresh fragrance. Not only does it look stunning, but it also balances the heat and sweetness of the chicken for the perfect first impression.

Side Dishes

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with all your favorite comfort food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn soak up every drop of extra glaze, while crisp coleslaw or a cool cucumber salad help mellow the heat. For an easy weeknight dinner, even a pile of roasted veggies or rice works wonders!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken over a fresh garden salad, tucking it into a wrap with crunchy slaw, or piling it high on a brioche bun with pickles for a hot honey chicken sandwich dream. Make it the centerpiece of a big platter for parties, or cut the tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and serve as spicy, saucy chicken nuggets for game day or family movie night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool completely before storing, and avoid stacking the pieces to help preserve as much crunch as possible. You’ll find the flavor deepens overnight — and that sweet heat is just as addictive the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the chicken, skip the sauce step and cool the oven-baked chicken completely. Store in a single layer in freezer bags or an airtight container for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the oven straight from the freezer, then drizzle on freshly made hot honey sauce before serving for maximum crunch and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken in a 375° F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the coating is crisp again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend for bringing back that signature crunch. If the sauce has thickened, a few seconds in the microwave will loosen it right up for drizzling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as juicy and flavorful. Slice them into strips if they’re thicker, so they cook evenly and the cornflake coating wraps around every piece.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

You control the spice! With just 1 teaspoon of cayenne, the glaze is sweet with a gentle kick. Up the cayenne and hot sauce for major heat, or dial it back for a milder finish. Always taste as you go — Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken should be just right for your taste buds.

Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken gluten free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cornflakes and double-check that your hot sauce and parmesan are gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally safe, so everyone can enjoy a spicy-sweet bite.

Is there a substitute for cornflakes?

If you’re out of cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs are the next best thing, although the crunch won’t be quite as dramatic. Crushed rice cereal is another gluten-free option, or try a mix of both for your own signature crust.

What’s the best way to drizzle the hot honey sauce?

The easiest way is with a spoon or a small pitcher while the chicken is still warm — this lets the sauce seep into every ridge and nook of the crust. If the sauce thickens up, a quick zap in the microwave will turn it silky again for the perfect glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something wildly craveable and surprisingly simple, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is calling your name. Every bite delivers crispy, sticky, sweet-heat perfection that keeps everyone reaching for more. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to — you just have to try it and see!

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