Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe For Dinner Fans

Crisp chicken takes on a delightful twist with this tantalizing baked hot honey chicken recipe that promises to ignite taste buds.

The golden-brown exterior crackles with sweet and spicy notes, delivering an irresistible flavor profile.

Honey drizzled over perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering glaze that demands attention.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of heat and sweetness that elevates the humble chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

The simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you savor this sensational dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious chicken that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.

How To Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a wire rack on top. Give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Crispy Coating Setup

Create three flavor stations: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with a crunchy mix of cornflakes seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Chicken Transformation

Dress each chicken piece by first coating in flour, then giving it an egg bath, and finally rolling in the cornflake crunch. Press firmly to ensure a perfect crispy armor.

  • Golden Baking

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared rack. Give a quick spray of oil to boost the crispiness. Bake until the outside turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside reaches a safe temperature.

  • Spicy Honey Drizzle

While the chicken cooks, whip up a tantalizing glaze by mixing honey with a kick of hot sauce, melted butter, and a splash of vinegar.

  • Final Touch

Brush the sizzling hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips To Keep Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Crispy

  • Crispy Coating Secrets: Use fresh cornflakes for maximum crunch. Crush them finely but not too fine to maintain texture and ensure a perfect golden exterior.
  • Moisture Magic: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before breading to help the coating stick better and achieve maximum crispiness without sogginess.
  • Gluten-Free Makeover: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Replace cornflakes with gluten-free rice cereal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar crunch.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity based on heat preference. For milder version, use less hot sauce or replace with sweet chili sauce. For extra heat lovers, add cayenne pepper to the breading mix or use a spicier hot sauce blend.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in refrigerator and bake just before serving. This technique helps breading set and can enhance overall flavor absorption.

How To Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  • Spicy Dinner Companion: Pair this crunchy hot honey chicken with cool creamy coleslaw to balance the heat and add refreshing texture.
  • Hearty Plate Partner: Serve alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice or roasted sweet potato wedges for a complete and satisfying meal that complements the chicken's crispy coating.
  • Fresh Flavor Boost: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add brightness and extra visual appeal to the golden-brown chicken.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for those who want additional cooling contrast to the spicy hot honey glaze, making each bite more enjoyable.

How To Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  • Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Crispy Reheating Technique: Restore the chicken's crunch by using an air fryer or oven at 375F. Avoid microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare breaded chicken ahead of time and store uncooked pieces between parchment layers in the refrigerator. Cook within 24 hours for maximum flavor and texture. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Needed For Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

For Breading:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a smooth base for egg and cornflake coating, helping breading stick perfectly.
  • Large Eggs: Serves as adhesive glue for breading, ensuring crispy cornflake layer stays intact.
  • Cornflakes: Delivers ultimate crunch and golden texture, transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth and aromatic warmth throughout the breading.
  • Paprika: Adds beautiful reddish color and subtle smoky undertone to the coating.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances other seasonings.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and complex flavor profile.
For Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, perfect for creating a crispy exterior.
For Glaze:
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create glossy, caramelized finish.
  • Hot Sauce: Brings exciting spicy kick and vibrant tang to the dish.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend glaze ingredients smoothly.
  • White Vinegar: Introduces bright acidity that cuts through sweetness and balances flavors.

Tools To Prep Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and crispy results.
  • Wire Rack: Helps air circulate, keeping chicken crisp on all sides.
  • Shallow Dishes (3): For flour, egg, and cornflake breading stations.
  • Whisk: Perfect for mixing glaze ingredients smoothly.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps apply hot honey glaze evenly over chicken.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: Adds extra crispiness to chicken coating.
  • Meat Thermometer: Checks chicken is fully cooked at 165F.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crispy baked hot honey chicken brings zesty Southern-style comfort to dinner tables across America. Spicy-sweet glaze and crunchy coating make this easy recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to add to weekly meal rotation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 2 cups cornflakes (crushed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsps hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack in the center and warm to 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, lightly spraying with cooking spray.
  2. Breading Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final station combining crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
  3. Chicken Transformation: Methodically coat each chicken breast by dredging in flour, dunking thoroughly in egg mixture, then pressing firmly into the cornflake seasoning to ensure complete, even coverage.
  4. Roasting Stage: Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the prepared rack, mist lightly with oil, and roast for 25-30 minutes. Monitor until the exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F, indicating perfect doneness.
  5. Glaze Creation: While chicken roasts, whisk together honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar in a small bowl until ingredients combine into a smooth, glossy mixture.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove chicken from oven and generously brush with hot honey glaze, ensuring each piece receives an even, glistening coating that promises a sweet and spicy flavor explosion.
  7. Serving Presentation: Transfer glazed chicken to a serving platter, accompanied by complementary side dishes, ready to delight diners with its crispy exterior and succulent interior.

Notes

  • Prevent Breading Slip-Off: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure seasoning adheres perfectly and creates a crispy, consistent coating.
  • Maximize Crispiness: Use a wire rack during baking to allow hot air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and promoting an evenly crunchy exterior.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Glaze Application Technique: Brush hot honey glaze immediately after baking while chicken is piping hot, allowing the sauce to caramelize and intensify flavor absorption.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star