This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. The golden cornflake coating gives the chicken an irresistible crunch, while the hot honey glaze adds a sticky-sweet heat that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a healthier take on fried chicken, baked to perfection without sacrificing any of the texture or taste. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or some creamy coleslaw for a complete meal. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this sweet-and-spicy combo is a must-try!
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 spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat 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 for even cooking and crispiness. -
Prepare the Breading Station
In three separate shallow dishes:- Add flour to one dish.
- Beat eggs in the second dish.
- Mix crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third dish.
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Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Press into the seasoned cornflakes mixture, ensuring an even coating.
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Bake the Chicken
- Arrange breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack, ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
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Glaze the Chicken
- Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the hot honey glaze.
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Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving. Pair with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4
What Makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken So Special?
The magic of this dish lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The crunchy coating, made from crushed cornflakes, provides a satisfying crispiness without the need for deep frying. Meanwhile, the hot honey glaze featuring a blend of honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet heat that perfectly complements the crispy exterior.
Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by the slow-building warmth of the spicy honey glaze. Unlike traditional fried chicken, which can sometimes feel heavy, this baked version is light yet indulgent, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy comfort food without the guilt.
The History of Hot Honey and Its Rise in Popularity
Hot honey is a relatively recent addition to the culinary scene but has quickly become a staple for food lovers who enjoy a balance of sweetness and heat. The concept of spicy honey has roots in various global cuisines, particularly in regions that incorporate chili-infused syrups and sweet-spicy condiments into their dishes.
One of the most well-known introductions of hot honey to mainstream food culture comes from Mike’s Hot Honey, a brand that started in Brooklyn, New York, in the early 2010s. It was originally created as a pizza topping, but the flavor quickly gained popularity across different dishes, including fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and even ice cream. Today, hot honey is widely used in both home cooking and restaurant menus, proving that the combination of sweet and spicy is truly irresistible.
Baking vs. Frying: A Healthier Yet Delicious Alternative
Many people associate crispy chicken with deep frying, but this recipe proves that you don’t need a pot of oil to achieve the perfect crunch. Baking has several advantages over frying:
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Less Oil, Fewer Calories – Since this dish is baked rather than fried, it uses significantly less oil, making it a lighter and healthier option without compromising texture or flavor.
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Less Mess – No need to deal with hot oil splatters or the hassle of discarding used frying oil. Baking is a cleaner and more convenient cooking method.
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Even Cooking – Placing the chicken on a wire rack while baking ensures even air circulation, leading to a crisp, golden-brown crust all around.
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Easier Meal Prep – Baked chicken stores and reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping and leftovers.
By using crushed cornflakes as the breading, this recipe enhances the crispiness that you’d typically get from deep frying, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice texture to enjoy a healthier version of crispy chicken.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hot Honey Chicken
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas to complete your meal:
1. Classic Southern Sides
- Coleslaw – The cool and creamy texture of coleslaw balances the heat from the hot honey glaze.
- Cornbread – Sweet and buttery cornbread is a fantastic complement to the spicy, crispy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic butter create the ultimate comfort food combination.
2. Lighter and Healthier Sides
- Green Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and sea salt make a nutritious side.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice – For a wholesome grain-based side, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
3. Creative Serving Ideas
- Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – Place the chicken on a toasted brioche bun with pickles and slaw for a mouthwatering sandwich.
- Chicken and Waffles – Elevate brunch by serving the chicken over fluffy waffles with extra hot honey drizzle.
- Taco Night – Slice the chicken into strips and add them to tacos with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit different dietary preferences and spice levels.
1. Make It Gluten-Free
- Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes for the breading.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
- If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or use a milder variety like sweet chili sauce.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornflake breading or increase the hot sauce in the glaze.
3. Try Different Glazes
- Instead of hot honey, experiment with a BBQ glaze or teriyaki sauce for a different twist.
- A spicy maple glaze can also work beautifully with this recipe.
4. Air Fryer Option
- If you prefer using an air fryer, simply cook the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Conclusion:
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken without the extra oil from frying. The combination of sweet honey and fiery hot sauce makes this dish incredibly addictive, while the crunchy cornflake coating adds an unbeatable texture.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or alongside classic Southern sides, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.