Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy cornflake crust with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The crunchy texture and the hot honey sauce create a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly.
• Crispy Texture: The cornflake crust ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The combination of honey and hot sauce adds a unique twist that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches for leftovers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this chicken dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or ziplock bag
• Shallow bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sauce pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly turns cornflakes into fine crumbs for an even coating.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for baking the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Ingredients

Simple cornflake-crusted chicken baked up on a sheet pan until crispy and delicious – loved by everyone!

For the Coating

• 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

For the Chicken

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 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

For Garnish

• fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a food processor:
1. Combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag by stepping on them.
3. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins to this mixture and toss well to ensure they are fully coated.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken through the cornflake crumbs until completely covered.
4. For extra crunchiness, dip back into the egg mixture and coat with crumbs again.
5. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp all around.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Just before serving:
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt.
2. Warm until combined; if it thickens too much, microwave briefly for about 5 seconds.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Drizzle warm hot honey sauce over baked chicken pieces just before serving. Top with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley for added freshness! Enjoy your delicious Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or dress it up for a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Serve with Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the crispy chicken.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and balances the heat from the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: The rich flavors of Caesar salad complement the spicy honey chicken beautifully.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that provides a cool contrast to the hot honey glaze.
• Blue Cheese Dip: The bold flavor of blue cheese enhances the dish’s profile while cooling down the spice.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who love a sweet and spicy kick, this sauce is perfect for dipping.

Serve on Buns

• Chicken Sandwich: Place the baked chicken on a bun with lettuce and tomato for an easy and satisfying sandwich.
• Sliders: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as sliders at your next gathering.

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How to Perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Achieving the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is easier than you think. Follow these tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices will significantly improve flavor.
• Ensure Proper Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated in crumbs for maximum crunch.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken as oven times may vary; look for golden brown edges.
• Let It Rest After Baking: Allowing the chicken to rest for five minutes before serving helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side dish.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a refreshing contrast to spicy chicken.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds richness that everyone loves.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and color while being health-conscious.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a nice base for your hot honey chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to measure and prepare all ingredients beforehand can lead to confusion during cooking. Always have everything ready before starting.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Neglecting the egg wash can result in uneven coating. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the egg mixture for a crispy finish.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many pieces of chicken on one sheet can cause steaming instead of baking. Give each piece space to ensure they crisp up properly.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Not checking the chicken for doneness can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that it reaches 165°F.
• Forgetting Seasoning in the Sauce: Skipping spices when making the sauce can leave it bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Can I use another type of chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer dark meat.

How spicy is Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

The spiciness depends on how much hot sauce and cayenne pepper you add. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I customize Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

You can add different spices or herbs to the cornflake coating, like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, for varied flavors.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken goes well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it versatile for any meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also offers great versatility. You can customize it with different spices and serve it alongside your favorite sides. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!