This Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy. The golden, crunchy cornflake coating locks in all the juicy flavors of the chicken, while the hot honey drizzle adds just the right kick of heat and sweetness. It’s an explosion of textures and tastes in every bite! The best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier yet equally indulgent option. Serve it up with cornbread, coleslaw, or garlic butter greens for a meal that’s both satisfying and full of Southern-inspired flavors. Whether for a casual dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this Hot Honey Chicken will have everyone coming back for more!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Hot Honey:
- ¾ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- In one bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge in the seasoned cornflake mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the hot honey by combining honey and chili flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the hot sauce and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 444 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken is packed with flavors that will leave you craving more. Here’s why this dish stands out:
1. Crunchy, Crispy Coating Without Frying
The magic of this recipe lies in its ultra-crispy cornflake coating. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, cornflakes provide a light and airy crunch that mimics the texture of deep-fried chicken. Since the chicken is baked, you don’t have to deal with messy oil splatters or excess grease, making this a hassle-free yet satisfying meal.
2. A Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Spicy Kick
Hot honey is what takes this dish to the next level. The combination of rich, golden honey infused with chili flakes and a hint of vinegar creates a sauce that’s both fiery and sweet, complementing the crispy chicken beautifully. The contrast between the sticky glaze and crunchy crust makes for an unforgettable taste experience.
3. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples like cornflakes, buttermilk, eggs, and honey, you can whip up this dish without needing to hunt for fancy ingredients. The process is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Versatile and Customizable
One of the great things about Hot Honey Chicken is that it’s easy to adapt to your preferences. If you like extra heat, you can increase the chili flakes in the honey drizzle. Prefer a tangier flavor? Add more vinegar to balance the sweetness. You can also swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breast tenders, wings, or even drumsticks.
The Inspiration Behind Hot Honey Chicken
The origins of hot honey as a condiment can be traced back to Southern and Italian-American cuisine, where spicy honey is often used to enhance fried foods, pizza, and even biscuits. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a must-have drizzle for everything from fried chicken to roasted vegetables.
This particular Hot Honey Chicken recipe was inspired by classic Southern hot chicken, but instead of being deep-fried, it gets its crispiness from a baked cornflake crust. The idea was to create a dish that captures all the indulgence of traditional fried chicken but in a healthier, more approachable way for home cooks.
The use of buttermilk in the coating process adds a subtle tang while helping the cornflakes adhere to the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and crunch. And of course, the finishing touch the hot honey drizzle brings it all together, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hot Honey Chicken
Hot Honey Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside this dish:
- Classic Southern Sides: Serve with cornbread, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or collard greens for a true Southern-inspired meal.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: A warm, fluffy biscuit or a buttered dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the extra hot honey sauce.
- Mashed or Roasted Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes or the crispy edges of roasted potatoes complement the crunchy chicken beautifully.
- Pickles and Slaw: The acidity and crunch of pickles or a tangy slaw help cut through the richness of the chicken, adding a refreshing contrast.
For a fun twist, you can also slice the chicken and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or even on top of a salad for a hearty and flavorful meal.
How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat your Hot Honey Chicken while keeping it crispy:
- Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the hot honey separate to maintain the crispiness.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the coating. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the breading soggy.
If the hot honey has thickened too much in storage, you can gently warm it in a saucepan or microwave for a few seconds before drizzling over the reheated chicken.
Tips and Variations for the Best Hot Honey Chicken
- Make It Spicier: Add more chili flakes or an extra dash of hot sauce to the honey mixture for a bolder kick.
- Try a Different Coating: While cornflakes provide an amazing crunch, you can also use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. Adding a little grated Parmesan to the coating can also enhance the flavor.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken thighs? This recipe works just as well with chicken breasts, wings, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While hot honey is the star, you can also serve this chicken with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a tangy mustard sauce.
- Use an Air Fryer: If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion:
Hot Honey Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. With its crispy, golden-brown coating and irresistibly sweet and spicy honey drizzle, it’s a dish that delivers on both flavor and texture. The fact that it’s baked instead of fried makes it an excellent option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing crunch or taste.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a casual dinner, or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides, customize the spice level to your liking, and enjoy the ultimate balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.