Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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, to taste; Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that dazzles with a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy textures, then this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breast tenderloins enveloped in a crisp, golden coating made from cornflakes and parmesan, with smoky spices teasing your senses. The crowning glory is a luscious hot honey drizzle that kicks up the heat while balancing it with natural sweetness. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but a total game-changer for your weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shallow white plate holds a mix of spices with three main layers: a base layer of a coarse, pale beige powder, a thick middle layer of bright reddish-brown chili powder spread unevenly, and scattered crystals of white coarse salt on top, adding texture and shine. A gold spoon rests in the center of the plate, filled with a mix of all these spices that give it a grainy and colorful look. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered salt crystals around it, and warm sunlight casts soft shadows, creating a cozy atmosphere. In the background, there is a blurry amber glass jar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on straightforward ingredients that play unique roles to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component is essential, from the cornflake crust that delivers crunch to the hot honey sauce that offers that signature sweet heat.

6 cups cornflakes (use gluten free, if needed): Provides a crispy and crunchy coating that bakes to golden perfection.
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nuttiness and depth to the crust.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild savory undertone.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with a rich garlicky flavor.
2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the adhesive to hold the crunchy crust to the chicken.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds a punch of heat and tang to the egg wash.
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for an even bake.
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Helps achieve that irresistible golden crust while baking.
1/2 cup honey: The sweet base of the hot honey sauce, balancing spice with natural sugars.
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (for sauce): Intensifies the heat, making the sauce lively and bold.
1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper: Customize the fire level to your liking.
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Adds smoky depth and warmth to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the sauce with a comforting garlicky hint.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
Sea salt: Essential for balancing flavors and elevating every element.
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant garnish.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the chicken bakes evenly and cleanup becomes a breeze. This initial step sets the stage for that perfect crisp.

Step 2: Crush and Mix the Crunchy Coating

In a food processor, pulse the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt until you get fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, simply crush the cornflakes in a sturdy ziplock bag by pressing or stepping on them carefully. This mixture is your magic crunchy crust that will coat the chicken in a flavorful crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Beat the eggs together in a bowl and whisk in the hot sauce. Toss your chicken breast tenderloins in this spicy egg wash so every piece gets a nice layer of moisture and heat. Then dredge each piece fully into the crunchy crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating. For an extra-thick and crispy crust, you can dip the pieces back into the egg wash and coat again with crumbs before placing them on your lined baking sheet. Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top to help the coating golden beautifully.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Place the coated chicken pieces in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the crust looks golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through yet juicy. This step is where the magic really happens: tender chicken wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy jacket.

Step 5: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is finishing, warm together the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small sauce pot. Stir gently until well combined and heated through. This hot honey sauce is the deliciously sticky, spicy-sweet drizzle that elevates this dish to something extraordinary.

Step 6: Serve with that Gorgeous Drizzle

Just before serving, pour the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken pieces. Top with freshly chopped thyme, cilantro, or parsley to add a fragrant, fresh pop of flavor and color.

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

The image shows six pieces of crispy fried chicken with a golden brown crunchy coating scattered on white parchment paper atop a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces are uneven in shape and size, each glistening with a drizzle of honey that creates a shiny texture on top. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are sprinkled over the chicken for a fresh touch. To the left, there is a golden spoon placed next to an open jar of honey, with droplets of honey spilled around, adding a sticky and glossy look to the scene. The warm colors and varied textures highlight the crispiness and sweetness of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley bring an immediate burst of freshness and color that contrast beautifully with the spicy, sweet glaze. Sprinkle them liberally on top to brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Their refreshing or creamy elements balance the heat and crunch perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal that delights your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the chicken over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can even slice the chicken and use it in wraps or tacos, drizzled with the hot honey sauce for a fun twist on lunch or dinner. Presentation is part of the joy, so get creative with your plating and sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store your leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating stays fairly crunchy if kept airtight, but will soften a bit over time.

Freezing

If you want to save your chicken for even longer, freeze cooked pieces by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Freeze the hot honey sauce separately in a small container or jar to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Reheating

To reheat and maintain that crunchy exterior, warm the chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes. Reheat the hot honey sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then drizzle before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast tenderloins are perfect for even cooking and tenderness, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly — tenders bake faster than larger cuts.

Is the hot honey sauce very spicy?

The heat level is flexible! You can control it by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the sauce. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, then add more to suit your taste buds.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure your hot sauce and other seasonings do not contain gluten. This keeps the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No problem! Place the cornflakes and parmesan in a large ziplock bag and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin until you reach coarse crumbs suitable for coating. It adds a bit of hands-on fun to the prep!

Can I prepare the crunchy coating mix ahead of time?

Definitely. You can mix and store the crushed cornflakes, parmesan, and spices in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes assembly a breeze on busy days when you want to whip up this delicious recipe quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite dishes to share because it strikes the perfect balance between crunchy and tender, sweet and spicy. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds and making it a regular in your kitchen rotation.