Name: Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 4 cups cornflakes; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup hot sauce (or more to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 3/4 tsp chili flakes (optional); 3/4 tsp chili powder (optional); 1/4 tsp salt

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If you’re craving that perfect balance of fiery sweetness and unbeatable crunch, the Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs enveloped in an irresistibly crispy cornflake crust, all drenched in a luscious hot honey sauce that sings with just the right touch of heat and natural sweetness. Whether you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a flavorful sensation, this recipe hits every note flawlessly and delivers a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a reddish-brown liquid sauce, speckled with small yellow and dark red chili flakes layered throughout. A shiny silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce, reflecting the colors and texture of the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and color that make this dish stand out. From the crispy cornflakes to the punchy spices and sweet, spicy sauce, every bite bursts with personality.

1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs: The juicy, tender base of the dish that absorbs all the flavors perfectly.
2 large eggs: Help the crumb coating stick beautifully while adding moisture.
2 tbsp hot sauce: Adds a kick straight into the egg wash for that signature spicy edge.
4 cups cornflakes: Creates the iconic, ultra-crunchy crust that makes this recipe unforgettable.
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a subtle savory depth and helps with browning.
2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika: Infuses warmth and a hint of smokiness to the coating.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Introduces aromatic herbs that brighten the flavor profile.
1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a gentle garlicky savor that compliments the spice.
1 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor component in the coating and sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the crust achieve a gorgeous golden crunch in the oven.
1/2 cup honey: The sweet backbone of the hot honey sauce, balancing heat with sticky richness.
1/4 cup hot sauce (plus more to taste): Powers up the sauce with bold, spicy heat.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds extra flavor depth to the hot honey drizzle.
3/4 tsp chili flakes (optional): Gives an optional boost of heat and a pleasant texture contrast.
3/4 tsp chili powder (optional): Adds smoky heat that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
1/4 tsp salt: Finishes the sauce perfectly by balancing all the flavors.

How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures the chicken won’t stick and keeps cleanup quick. A hot oven is key to getting that coveted crisp crust while locking in juicy tenderness inside the chicken thighs.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crumb Coating

Pop the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt into a food processor. Pulse until they form a fine, crumbly mixture that’s textured enough to deliver that iconic crunch. Transferring this mixture to a shallow bowl gets it ready to coat your chicken perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in the Hot Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. This step is where the magic begins, as the spicy egg wash beneath the crumb coating gives every bite beneath that crunch a bit of heat and moisture. Toss your chicken thighs here until each piece is well-coated and ready for the crust.

Step 4: Crumb Coat the Chicken

Press each chicken thigh firmly into the crumb mixture, ensuring they’re fully covered on all sides. This is how you get that signature “super crunchy” texture that inspired our recipe’s name. Once coated, place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Bake

Drizzle the olive oil over each crumb-coated chicken piece to help achieve a golden, crispy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t burn, but feel confident that this high heat gives you impeccable crunch every time.

Step 6: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, chili flakes, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy—the perfect sweet, spicy drizzle to elevate your crispy chicken to legendary status.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

When the chicken is just out of the oven and piping hot, generously drizzle your homemade hot honey sauce over each piece. That sticky, spicy finish is what sets the Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe apart and makes it impossible to resist.

How to Serve Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe

A close-up view shows a crispy fried chicken piece with two visible layers: a crunchy, golden-brown outer coating with small, rough textured bits, and a glossy layer of reddish-orange sauce drizzled on top that looks sticky and shiny. Small green herb bits are scattered over the sauce. The chicken rests on a dark baking sheet with some sauce drops and crispy crumbs around it. A gold spoon with some sauce is placed near the chicken on the baking sheet. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of green and herbal brightness that complements the deep, rich flavors. For some extra texture and tang, a handful of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions makes a great finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This crispy, spicy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad to balance heat and crunch. For a fun twist, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or buttered corn on the cob to echo the sweet notes in the hot honey sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe on a bed of lettuce drizzled with more sauce for an eye-catching plate. Alternatively, chop the crispy chicken and toss it into tacos or wraps with fresh slaw and a drizzle of extra hot honey for an irresistible handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate helps prevent the crust from getting soggy, so drizzle just before reheating or serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked crumb-coated chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep that incredible crunch intact.

Reheating

To reheat without losing the crispiness, place leftover chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. This method revives the crunch and keeps the inside juicy—just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though thighs tend to stay juicier. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness, and consider pounding them slightly for even cooking.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The heat level is pleasantly moderate thanks to the balance of honey’s sweetness and hot sauce’s kick. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less hot sauce or chili flakes to suit your taste.

Are cornflakes the best coating for crunch?

Cornflakes are fantastic for achieving that thick, super crunchy crust due to their natural texture and size. You can experiment with panko breadcrumbs or crushed pretzels for different crunch profiles, but cornflakes offer the perfect mix of crisp and flavor here.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes and check your hot sauce and seasonings for any hidden gluten ingredients to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. The chicken stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a flavorful protein option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Just keep the hot honey sauce separate until serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Baked Hot Honey Chicken (Super Crunchy!) Recipe is nothing short of addictive. It has everything you want from comfort food with a zesty twist—crispy texture, juicy meat, and a dazzling sweet and spicy finish. Give it a try and get ready to enjoy a dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds every time.

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