There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken and a sweet-spicy glaze that makes this dish an instant favorite. This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors—crunchy coating, tender chicken, and a luscious glaze that’s equal parts sweet and fiery. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, prepping for game night, or simply craving comfort food with a twist, this dish delivers on every level.
The best part? This recipe is baked, not fried, so you get all the crunch without the added grease. By using a combination of crushed cornflakes and spices, the chicken stays crispy and flavorful, while the hot honey glaze elevates it to a new level of deliciousness. I first made this recipe for a family dinner, and it quickly became a go-to whenever we wanted something exciting yet simple to prepare. Now, I’m sharing it with you, so let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken
This recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why:
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Crispy and Juicy: The cornflake coating ensures a crunch that rivals fried chicken, while the chicken breasts remain moist and tender.
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice level in the hot honey glaze, making it perfect for all palates.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, this dish is a lighter alternative to traditional crispy chicken.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible dish, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless, for juicy and tender results.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, to create the first layer of the breading process.
- Eggs: 2, beaten, to help the cornflake coating stick.
- Cornflakes Cereal: 2 cups, crushed finely for a golden, crispy texture.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for savory depth.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, adding a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for a hint of spice.
- Cooking Spray or Vegetable Oil: To grease the wire rack and ensure even crisping.
- Honey: ¼ cup, the base of the sweet and sticky glaze.
- Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons, adjustable for your desired heat level.
- Melted Butter: 1 tablespoon, for a rich and glossy finish to the glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon, for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes golden and crisp. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate, giving the chicken a perfectly crispy texture.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- In the second dish, beat 2 eggs until smooth.
- In the third dish, combine the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix the seasonings evenly into the cornflakes.
Bread the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres well. Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then press it into the cornflake mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating. Repeat with all the chicken breasts and place them on the prepared wire rack.
Bake the Chicken
Transfer the coated chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken bakes, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust the hot sauce quantity based on your spice preference. For more heat, add an extra tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. The warmth of the chicken helps the glaze adhere, creating a shiny, flavorful coating.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the glaze set. Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, tender chicken, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce, or for extra heat, increase it or add cayenne pepper.
- Crunch Factor: Crush the cornflakes finely for a more even coating. Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them easily.
- Even Cooking: Using a wire rack ensures air circulation around the chicken, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy coating.
- Make It Ahead: Bread the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving for fresh, crispy results.
- Glaze Control: For a lighter glaze, drizzle the hot honey mixture over the chicken instead of brushing it on.
Serving Suggestions
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they balance the sweetness and heat.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious addition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast.
- Cornbread: Sweet and soft, it’s the perfect complement to the spicy glaze.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free cereal for the breading.
- Spicy Garlic Glaze: Replace honey with garlic chili paste for a savory twist.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for an even crispier texture.
- Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of breasts for smaller, snack-sized portions.
Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture, offering the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, and bold, sweet-spicy goodness. It’s proof that baked chicken can be just as satisfying as fried, delivering all the crispiness you love without the extra oil. The irresistible glaze of honey, hot sauce, and butter adds a luscious finish that makes every bite unforgettable.
Whether you’re preparing this dish for a cozy family dinner, a fun weekend meal, or to impress guests at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight. The recipe’s versatility is another reason it stands out—you can tweak the spice level, add your favorite sides, or even experiment with the glaze to suit your tastes. It’s this adaptability that makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for weeks, months, and years to come.
I truly hope you’ll try this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken and let it bring a little extra excitement to your table. When you do, don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creation with me! I’d love to see how you’ve made it your own and hear about any creative twists you’ve added. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking and the simple pleasures of a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
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Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Crunchy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken features tender baked chicken with a golden cornflake crust and a sweet and spicy honey glaze for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for greasing
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjustable to taste)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a greased wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Set up breading station: flour in one dish, eggs in another, and a mix of cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread chicken: coat in flour, dip in eggs, and press into cornflake mixture.
- Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar for the glaze.
- Brush glaze over cooked chicken and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust hot sauce for desired spice level.
- Crush cornflakes finely for an even coating.
- Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American