Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy cornflake crust with a spicy-sweet honey glaze. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or gatherings with friends. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture – The cornflake crust ensures each bite is delightfully crunchy.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor – The hot honey glaze adds an irresistible kick that elevates the dish.
• Easy to Prepare – Simple steps make this a quick weeknight meal or party dish.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve as an appetizer, main course, or finger food for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly – Kids will enjoy the fun crunch and sweet taste, making it a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor – This tool helps achieve fine cornflake crumbs quickly, ensuring even coating on the chicken.
• Baking sheet – A large surface area allows you to bake multiple pieces of chicken at once for efficiency.
• Parchment paper – It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

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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 Hot Honey 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, for serving

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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 achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, beat the eggs and add hot sauce. Toss in the chicken tenderloins until fully coated. Dredge each piece in the cornflake crumbs until completely covered. For extra crunchiness, dip back in the egg mixture and then again in the crumbs before placing on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy all around.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Just before removing the chicken from the oven, prepare your hot honey sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir gently until warmed through.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle warm sauce over the baked chicken just before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley. If needed, warm any leftover sauce briefly in the microwave before serving.

Enjoy your 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 enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Spinach: Serve the chicken atop a bed of fresh spinach for a light and healthy option.
• Mixed Greens: A mix of arugula, kale, and lettuce adds color and nutrients.

As a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps: Slice the chicken and wrap it in tortillas with greens, tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra hot sauce.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to hold the chicken.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch pairs wonderfully with the spicy flavor of the chicken.
• Garlic Aioli: A garlic aioli adds richness and complements the crunchy texture.

As an Appetizer

• Bite-sized Pieces: Cut the chicken into small pieces for easy snacking at parties.
• Skewered Chicken: Thread pieces onto skewers for fun finger food.

With Grain Bowls

• Quinoa Base: Serve over quinoa with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Rice Bowl: Pair with brown rice and steamed broccoli for added fiber.

How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve crispy perfection every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken ensures better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
• Achieve Even Coating: Make sure to coat each piece of chicken evenly in the cornflake mixture for consistent crunchiness.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the oven; cooking times may vary based on your oven’s calibration.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain moisture.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences for more heat or flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic provide comfort alongside spicy chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw balances out the heat from the chicken with its cool crunch.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that pairs well with hot honey flavors.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delicious contrast to the savory chicken.
6. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon creates a bright side dish full of texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, it’s easy to make a few simple mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the coating step: Make sure you fully coat the chicken in the egg mixture and then the cornflake crumbs. This ensures a crispy texture.
• Using unseasoned crumbs: Always season your cornflake crumbs with spices like paprika and garlic powder. This adds flavor to your chicken.
• Not preheating the oven: Preheat your oven properly before baking. This helps achieve that perfect crispiness on your chicken.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give each piece of chicken space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Ignoring sauce timing: Prepare your hot honey sauce just before the chicken finishes baking for maximum freshness and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It will keep well for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the chicken for about 5 minutes, turning frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to both the coating and sauce for extra heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just choose gluten-free cornflakes and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What sides pair well with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adjusting spices or adding different herbs. Try this recipe today for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy!