Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery kick! The chicken is coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, which bakes to perfection, giving it that satisfying crunch we all crave. The hot honey sauce takes it to the next level, with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 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

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins

• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

• 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

• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you get fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.

3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the hot sauce and chicken. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

4. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornflake crumbs, ensuring they’re fully coated. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the eggs and then into the crumbs a second time. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crisp.

6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a saucepan, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt over low heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders. Top with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley.

8. If the sauce thickens, warm it in the microwave for about 5 seconds before drizzling it over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious, hot honey chicken!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Some Heat: If you love extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few more dashes of hot sauce to the hot honey sauce.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this dish entirely gluten-free.

• Baked Chicken Wings: Instead of chicken tenderloins, use chicken wings for an even crispier experience.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast tenderloins. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking. This will give the coating a chance to set, making it even crispier when baked.

Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently before serving.

Can I use a different coating besides cornflakes?

Yes, you can substitute the cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For extra heat, serve with a side of spicy fries.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to medium level of spice, depending on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I bake the chicken on a rack?

Yes, placing the chicken on a wire rack set over the baking sheet helps air circulate, which can make the coating even crispier.

Can I use store-bought hot sauce for the hot honey?

Yes, store-bought hot sauce works perfectly. Choose one that you like, whether it’s mild or hot, to customize the sauce to your taste.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I skip the parmesan in the coating?

Yes, if you’re lactose intolerant or just prefer not to use cheese, you can omit the parmesan. The coating will still be crispy and delicious.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that satisfies your craving for something sweet, spicy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making it for dinner or a party, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, full of bold flavors, and much lighter than traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing taste or texture

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