Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This crunchy baked hot honey chicken brings all the satisfaction of deep-fried chicken without the mess or guilt. The cornflake coating creates an incredibly crispy exterior while the spicy honey drizzle adds the perfect sweet heat that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I developed this recipe after my family begged for a healthier version of their favorite takeout chicken tenders.

This recipe became an instant favorite in our household after I made it for a weekend game night. Even my pickiest eater who normally avoids anything with heat couldn't stop reaching for more once that sweet honey balanced out the spice.

Ingredients

• Cornflakes: Provide the signature crunch that makes this chicken irresistible. Look for fresh boxes rather than ones that have been sitting in your pantry for months
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth to the coating and helps it brown beautifully in the oven
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that makes this taste like it came from a restaurant kitchen
• Hot sauce: In both the egg wash and honey sauce creates layers of flavor throughout each bite
• Chicken tenderloins: Cook quickly and stay juicy. Choose organic if possible for the best flavor
• Honey: Forms the base of our signature sauce. Local varieties add interesting flavor notes
• Cayenne and chipotle powders: Create a complex heat profile that builds gradually rather than overwhelming your palate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F which will help achieve that crispy exterior we crave. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup virtually effortless. This high temperature is crucial for achieving the crackling crust without frying.

Create the Crunchy Coating:

Combine cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in your food processor. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs but stop before they become powdery. The texture here matters tremendously for the final crunch factor. If you lack a food processor, place ingredients in a ziplock bag and crush them by stepping on them or using a rolling pin.

Prepare the Chicken:

Beat eggs in a bowl until completely uniform, then add hot sauce for flavor and moisture. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. The egg mixture not only helps the crumbs adhere but also keeps the chicken moist during baking.

Bread the Chicken:

Take each tenderloin from the egg mixture letting excess drip off, then thoroughly coat in the cornflake mixture. Press gently to ensure crumbs adhere to all surfaces. For extra crunch, double dip by returning to egg mixture and then back to crumbs. This double coating creates restaurant quality crispiness.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they dont touch each other. Drizzle lightly with olive oil which helps achieve golden browning. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating becomes deeply golden and crisp with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Create the Hot Honey Sauce:

While chicken bakes, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Heat just until everything combines smoothly and becomes pourable. This sauce thickens as it cools so timing matters for the perfect consistency.

Finish and Serve:

Drizzle the warm honey sauce generously over the freshly baked chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro or parsley for color contrast and freshness. The herbs cut through the richness while adding visual appeal.

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The chipotle chili powder is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I accidentally substituted regular chili powder once and the sauce lacked that smoky depth that makes everyone ask for my recipe. The complex heat it provides alongside the cayenne creates layers of flavor that develop as you eat.

Make Ahead Magic

This chicken reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the honey sauce separate in its own container. When ready to enjoy, reheat chicken on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes until crispy again, then drizzle with gently rewarmed sauce. The separation prevents the coating from becoming soggy.

Heat Customization

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different spice preferences. For a kid friendly version, reduce the cayenne and hot sauce by half in both the egg mixture and honey sauce. For true heat seekers, add a teaspoon of your favorite hot pepper flakes to the cornflake mixture and increase the cayenne to 1 tablespoon in the sauce. I often make half with regular spice levels and half extra spicy when serving guests with varying preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this chicken into a complete meal by pairing it with cooling sides that complement the sweet heat. A simple coleslaw with a yogurt based dressing balances the spice beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potato wedges which echo the sweet notes in the honey sauce. The chicken also makes excellent sliders when sliced and tucked into small dinner rolls with pickle slices.

Storage Solutions

Leftover chicken maintains its quality when stored properly. Place cooled chicken pieces in a single layer in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce can be stored separately in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks and used on everything from pizza to roasted vegetables. If freezing, freeze the uncoated chicken pieces after the first dip in cornflakes for best texture upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of cornflakes for the crust?

You can substitute cornflakes with bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or panko for a similar crispiness.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the cayenne and hot sauce to your preference.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

→ Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh for best results.