If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that delivers crispy crunch, sweet heat, and zero frying fuss, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe. Coated in crushed cornflakes for ultimate crispiness, drizzled with a fiery-sweet hot honey glaze, and baked to golden perfection, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor. Ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s a triple-threat recipe: crunchy, spicy, and baked — not fried. The cornflake coating stays shatteringly crisp while locking in juicy tenderness, and the hot honey drizzle adds just the right amount of sweet heat to keep things exciting. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and so much better than takeout. Plus, you can customize the heat level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 cups cornflakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Hot Honey:
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1–3 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¾ tsp chipotle chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cornflakes: Use gluten-free if needed, or try crushed Ritz or panko for a twist.
- Hot Sauce: Use your favorite! Frank’s, Cholula, or a smoky hot sauce work great.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty-savory depth to the coating — skip for dairy-free.
- Chicken: Chicken thighs work well too, just adjust the cook time.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Crush & Season the Coating
In a food processor, pulse the cornflakes until finely crushed. Pour into a shallow bowl and stir in Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Make the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg wash, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, pressing to coat. For extra crunch, double dip: repeat both steps a second time.
5. Arrange & Bake
Place coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Make the Hot Honey
While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic and onion powders, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
7. Drizzle & Serve
Remove chicken from the oven and immediately drizzle generously with hot honey. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for color and flavor. Serve hot and devour!
Tips for Success
- Crush Cornflakes Fine: Finer crumbs = better coating and more crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Drizzle: That hot honey is what takes this from good to unreal.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing chicken on a rack over the baking sheet ensures even crisping.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch: If you love crunch, coat twice before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is the main event, but pair it with these easy sides for a full flavor party:
- A simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the heat
- Roasted sweet potatoes or waffle fries
- Serve with These Easy Turkey Wings for a full-on comfort feast
- Pair with This Crockpot Nacho Dip for game day vibes
- Add These Sheet Pan Quesadillas for an easy party platter
- Wash it down with lemonade, iced tea, or a chilled beer
- Finish with This Beer Cheese Dip for even more bold bites
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F or in an air fryer to bring back the crunch.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to cook time.
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
Final Thoughts
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the answer to weeknight dinner ruts, picky eaters, and anyone craving bold flavor without the fryer mess. It’s sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly crispy — the kind of dish that earns repeat requests.
Give it a try and share your version! Follow along at ChefManiac for more flavor-packed recipes that make every meal memorable.
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