There’s something magical about biting into perfectly baked chicken that’s juicy, tender, and wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. When paired with a glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and just a little sticky, it’s impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds! This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is all about that irresistible combination, blending textures and flavors that strike the perfect balance between comfort and excitement.
This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, yet it delivers the same satisfying crunch. The recipe draws inspiration from Southern cuisine, where the art of blending sweet and spicy flavors is a time-honored tradition. The addition of hot honey—a rising star in culinary circles—elevates this dish to something truly special. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home, a game-day spread, or a meal to impress family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to shine.
Let me take you through this recipe step-by-step, so you can enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crunchy baked chicken and a luscious hot honey glaze that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Comfort Food: By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy all the crunch without the extra oil, making this a lighter yet still indulgent option.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey combined with the heat of hot sauce creates a glaze that’s the perfect complement to the crunchy chicken.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is easy to adjust to suit everyone’s taste buds. You can tone down the heat for kids or turn it up for spice lovers.
- Accessible Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
- Simple Yet Impressive: This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken bakes evenly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Using a rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring a crunchy coating on all sides.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Set out three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- Dish 1: Add the flour.
- Dish 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
- Dish 3: Combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The seasoned cornflakes create a flavor-packed coating that’s light, crispy, and delicious.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the breading adhere better and prevents sogginess.
- One at a time, coat each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring an even layer. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. Use your hands to press the crumbs into the chicken for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. Make sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking.
- Spray a light mist of cooking spray over the tops of the chicken to help the coating turn golden brown.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- While the chicken bakes, it’s time to make the star of the dish—the hot honey glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level. For a sweeter glaze, use less hot sauce; for extra heat, add more.
- The butter adds richness to the glaze, while the apple cider vinegar gives it a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
- When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Immediately brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. The warmth of the chicken will help the glaze seep into the crunchy coating, infusing it with flavor.
Step 7: Serve
- Allow the glazed chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the glaze set.
- Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
- Cornflake Crumbs: For a finer coating, crush the cornflakes in a food processor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a rolling pin to crush them in a zip-top bag.
- Prevent Sogginess: Always use a wire rack to bake the chicken. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures even crispiness.
- Customizing Spice Levels: You can tone down the spice by using less hot sauce or replace it with a mild chili sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Note
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Warm the glaze slightly for easier application.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Works well with wings or drumsticks—just adjust the baking time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that they may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.
What if I don’t have cornflakes?
No problem! Panko breadcrumbs make an excellent substitute. You can also use crushed crackers for a different texture.
How can I make the chicken extra spicy?
For an added kick, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the cornflake mixture or increase the amount of hot sauce in the glaze.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
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Conclusion
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy chicken with bold flavors. The combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy makes it a standout dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Try it today, and get ready for the rave reviews to roll in!
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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Description
There’s something magical about biting into perfectly baked chicken that’s juicy, tender, and wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. When paired with a glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and just a little sticky, it’s impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds! This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is all about that irresistible combination, blending textures and flavors that strike the perfect balance between comfort and excitement.
This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, yet it delivers the same satisfying crunch. The recipe draws inspiration from Southern cuisine, where the art of blending sweet and spicy flavors is a time-honored tradition. The addition of hot honey—a rising star in culinary circles—elevates this dish to something truly special. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home, a game-day spread, or a meal to impress family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to shine.
Let me take you through this recipe step-by-step, so you can enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crunchy baked chicken and a luscious hot honey glaze that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken bakes evenly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Using a rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring a crunchy coating on all sides.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Set out three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- Dish 1: Add the flour.
- Dish 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
- Dish 3: Combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The seasoned cornflakes create a flavor-packed coating that’s light, crispy, and delicious.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the breading adhere better and prevents sogginess.
- One at a time, coat each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring an even layer. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. Use your hands to press the crumbs into the chicken for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. Make sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking.
- Spray a light mist of cooking spray over the tops of the chicken to help the coating turn golden brown.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- While the chicken bakes, it’s time to make the star of the dish—the hot honey glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level. For a sweeter glaze, use less hot sauce; for extra heat, add more.
- The butter adds richness to the glaze, while the apple cider vinegar gives it a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
- When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Immediately brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. The warmth of the chicken will help the glaze seep into the crunchy coating, infusing it with flavor.
Step 7: Serve
- Allow the glazed chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the glaze set.
- Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Warm the glaze slightly for easier application.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Works well with wings or drumsticks—just adjust the baking time
