There’s something thrilling about the first bite of crispy hot honey chicken—it’s like a fiery symphony playing in your mouth. I stumbled upon this recipe during a weekend cooking binge, and it quickly transformed into a family favorite. Imagine the perfect blend of spicy heat and sweet honey, hugging every crisp corner of chicken—yeah, it’s that good.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Utilize a food processor to blend cornflakes, parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of salt into fine crumbs. If a food processor isn’t available, you can alternatively crush the mixture in a ziplock bag using your foot. Transfer the crumb mixture to a shallow bowl.
- Beat eggs in a bowl and mix in the hot sauce. Immerse the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Coat the chicken with the crumb mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered. For additional crunch, dip the chicken back into the eggs and crumbs a second time. Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- As the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce by warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the warm sauce generously over the top. Add fresh herbs for garnish, and reheat the sauce briefly in the microwave if it thickens. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- Cornflakes
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Large eggs, beaten
- Hot sauce (several tablespoons)
- Chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Honey
- Cayenne pepper
- Chipotle chili powder
- Sea salt
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
FAQ
- What type of cereal is best for the coating?
- Crushed cornflakes are recommended for the coating as they provide the perfect crunch. Organic cornflakes, such as Nature’s Path, are suggested for a gluten-free option, but regular cornflakes will work just as well.
- How can I achieve a thicker coating on the chicken?
- To achieve a thicker coating, double-dip the chicken. After the initial dredging through the egg and crumb mixture, dip the chicken back into the eggs and then again into the crumbs before baking.
- What makes the hot honey sauce special?
- The hot honey sauce combines sweet honey with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and onion powder. This blend of spices creates a sweet, spicy, and subtly smoky flavor that enhances the chicken.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it either in the oven or using an air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this chicken?
- Crispy sweet potato fries and a winter salad are great accompaniments to serve alongside the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, complementing the spicy and sweet flavors of the dish.
Tips
- For maximum crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and crumb mixture after the first coating. This extra step enhances the texture and flavor.
- When preparing the cornflake crumb coating, use a food processor for a fine texture or crush manually in a ziplock bag for a more rustic finish. The addition of parmesan cheese to the crumbs provides a rich, salty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- To ensure the sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, warm the honey with hot sauce, cayenne, and chipotle chili powder just before the chicken finishes baking. This will enhance the taste and allow easy drizzling over the chicken.
- Serve the baked chicken with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that pairs well with the spicy hot honey sauce.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Used to crush the cornflakes and mix with spices and parmesan cheese.
- Baking Sheet – Essential for baking the chicken.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Saucepan – For warming the hot honey sauce.
