Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – A Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken Delight

There’s nothing better than crispy, crunchy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style hot honey chicken at home but wanted a healthier, oven-baked version, then this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is for you. It’s golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, thanks to a crunchy cornflake coating that mimics deep frying—without the oil! The best part? It’s finished with a perfectly balanced hot honey sauce that’s both sweet and fiery, creating the ultimate flavor combination that will have you licking your fingers.

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and packed with bold flavors. It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table—those who love a bit of heat, those who crave crispy chicken, and even those who prefer a mild version because you can easily adjust the spice level. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep, it’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress. The combination of crunchy coating and sticky glaze creates a contrast in textures that makes each bite exciting.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s completely customizable. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add extra cayenne and chipotle, or if you want something milder, you can reduce the spice and let the sweetness of the honey shine. You can serve it in so many ways—over rice, in a sandwich, with a fresh salad, or alongside roasted vegetables. No matter how you serve it, one thing is certain: this dish is going to be a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. If you’re someone who enjoys bold flavors with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, then this dish is a must-try. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

First, it’s crispy without frying. The secret to achieving that perfect crunchy coating is using cornflakes instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Unlike breadcrumbs, cornflakes create an extra-crispy texture without the need for deep frying. This makes the chicken lighter, healthier, and much easier to prepare.

Second, it’s sweet and spicy perfection. The hot honey glaze brings just the right amount of heat, balanced by the natural sweetness of honey. You can control the level of spice by adjusting the amount of cayenne and hot sauce, making it perfect for everyone at the table.

Third, it’s quick and easy to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a flavor-packed meal on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

Fourth, it’s versatile and works with different serving options. Whether you serve it over rice, with roasted veggies, in a sandwich, or with a salad, this crispy chicken pairs well with just about anything. It’s a great meal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.

Finally, it’s kid-friendly and completely customizable. If you’re cooking for kids or someone who doesn’t love spicy food, you can serve the hot honey sauce on the side or reduce the spice level to make it more mild. If you love extra heat, just add more cayenne or hot sauce to make it fiery. It’s a recipe that can be tailored to everyone’s taste preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

When it comes to making delicious homemade meals, time is always a factor. That’s why this recipe is great—it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a lot of cleanup.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Ingredients of the Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken

For the Crispy Chicken:

To achieve the perfect crunchy, flavorful coating, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 cups cornflakes, crushed into fine crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth
• ½ teaspoon onion powder for an aromatic touch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder for added savory flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt to enhance all the flavors
• **2 large eggs, beaten, to help the coating stick
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce to mix with the eggs for extra flavor
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins, the perfect cut for even cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling before baking

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

This hot honey sauce is what makes this dish truly special. It’s sticky, spicy, sweet, and absolutely addictive. You’ll need:

• ½ cup honey, the base of the sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, depending on your spice preference
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper for adjustable heat
• ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder for smoky warmth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder to add depth
• ½ teaspoon onion powder for extra flavor
• ½ teaspoon sea salt to balance the sweetness
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken

1. Prep & Coat the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the sheet for even crispiness. While the oven is heating, crush your cornflakes until they’re fine but still have some texture—this is what gives the chicken its deep-fried crunch. You can use a food processor for quick results or crush them in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. In another bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. These ingredients add so much flavor to the coating, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Take each chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the cornflakes again for a double coating.

Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to help them get golden brown.

2. Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even crispiness. If you’re using a wire rack, you won’t need to flip them. When they turn golden brown and crispy, check that they have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing them from the oven. If you want an extra crispy finish, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat, stirring in the hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and immediately drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, and serve while hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions of the Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken

One of the best things about this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in a variety of ways depending on what you’re in the mood for, making it a meal that never gets boring. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a game-day snack, this chicken fits the occasion.

If you love sweet and spicy combinations, try serving it with sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the fries balances out the heat from the hot honey sauce, creating a perfect contrast of flavors. If you’re looking for something lighter and fresher, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken, adding a zesty and refreshing element to your plate.

For a comfort food-style meal, serve this crispy chicken over steamed jasmine rice or mashed potatoes. The rice soaks up the sticky hot honey sauce, making every bite even more flavorful. If you want a crunchy, hearty meal, turn it into a hot honey chicken sandwich by placing it inside a brioche bun with coleslaw and a drizzle of extra sauce. This is a fantastic way to enjoy this chicken in a new and exciting way, especially if you’re making it for a crowd.

If you’re looking for healthy options, serve it with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini. The savory, caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies complement the sweet-spicy kick of the hot honey sauce, making it a well-balanced meal. No matter how you serve it, this crispy, flavorful chicken is going to be a huge hit.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken

To ensure your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some pro tips and tricks that will help you achieve the best texture and flavor.

One of the most important steps is crushing the cornflakes properly. If they’re too large, the coating won’t stick well, and if they’re too fine, you won’t get that satisfying crunch. The best way to crush them is by using a food processor and pulsing until you get a fine crumb with a little texture. If you don’t have a food processor, placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin works just as well.

Another crucial step is double-dipping the chicken. If you want extra crispy chicken, make sure to dip each piece in the egg mixture and cornflake mixture twice. This adds an extra layer of crunch and ensures that the coating sticks well to the chicken, giving it that deep-fried texture without needing oil.

If you’re looking for an even crispier finish, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even browning on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, flipping the chicken halfway through baking helps it cook evenly. For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

When making the hot honey sauce, be sure to warm the honey over low heat to prevent it from burning. Adding the spices and hot sauce while the honey is warm allows the flavors to blend together seamlessly. If you want a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute or two, but don’t overcook it, or it may become too sticky.

If you prefer a milder version of this dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce or use a mild hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot. On the other hand, if you love spicy food, feel free to add extra chipotle chili powder or red pepper flakes to take the heat up a notch.

Recipe Variations of this Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken Recipe

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is delicious as written, but you can easily customize it to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the cornflakes with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This will still give you a crispy, crunchy texture while keeping it low in carbs.

For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes and double-check that your hot sauce is gluten-free. Most hot sauces are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label if you’re serving this dish to someone with dietary restrictions.

If you want a tangy, smoky twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the hot honey sauce. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the glaze and balance out the sweetness of the honey.

For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the chicken for cauliflower or tofu. Coat the cauliflower florets or tofu pieces in the same cornflake mixture, bake until crispy, and drizzle with hot honey sauce. This is a great way to enjoy the same bold flavors in a meat-free version.

If you love Asian-inspired flavors, add a little soy sauce, sesame oil, or ginger to the hot honey glaze. These ingredients will give the sauce a deeper umami flavor while still keeping the balance of sweet and spicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because this chicken is so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain the best texture and flavor. Place any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Since the sauce can make the coating softer over time, it’s best to store the sauce separately and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving.

To freeze the chicken, place the cooked pieces (without sauce) on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen chicken in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy.

For the best reheating method, avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, reheat it in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to bring back its crispy texture. If you stored the sauce separately, warm it up in a saucepan before drizzling it over the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you could want in a crispy, sweet, and spicy dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or meal prep option, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. The crispy cornflake coating gives you the perfect crunch, while the hot honey glaze adds a bold, sweet, and fiery kick that’s completely addictive.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level, switch up the serving options, or try different variations to make it exactly how you like it. Plus, since it’s baked instead of fried, you get all the crispy deliciousness without the extra oil and mess.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you go for extra spicy or keep it mild and sweet? Did you serve it with fries, rice, or in a sandwich? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me on social media with your creations. I can’t wait to see how you enjoy your hot honey chicken!

Print