Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy, crunchy texture and a delightful sweet and spicy flavor. The chicken is coated in a crispy cornflake crust and topped with a tangy, sweet, and spicy honey glaze that will have your taste buds craving more. This healthier baked version offers all the flavor of fried chicken without the extra oil, making it a guilt-free treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The contrast between the crunchy cornflake coating and the smooth, spicy-sweet honey glaze makes every bite a satisfying experience. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the bold flavors, makes it an easy yet impressive dish to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Set up a breading station: in one dish, place the flour; in another, beat the eggs; and in a third, mix the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then press it into the seasoned cornflakes mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, mix together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the hot honey glaze over the chicken as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to make the dish as spicy as you like.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornflakes to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add Toppings: Serve with a drizzle of extra honey or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
Can I make the glaze spicier?
Absolutely! Add more hot sauce or include red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
Can I use a different coating instead of cornflakes?
You can substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much hot sauce you add. You can adjust it to your preferred heat level.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded and cooked chicken before adding the glaze. Reheat and add the glaze when ready to serve.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Regular honey works, but it won’t have the spicy kick. You can add a little extra hot sauce to compensate.
What can I serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds flavor, you can enjoy the crispy chicken without it for a less sweet option.
Can I bake this chicken without a wire rack?
Yes, you can place the chicken directly on the baking sheet, but using a wire rack helps the chicken cook more evenly and become crispier.
Conclusion
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful combination of crispy chicken and sweet-spicy glaze that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for serving at any time. With its simple ingredients and delicious results, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Print
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a healthier take on crispy chicken, combining a crunchy cornflake coating with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Baked instead of fried, this dish offers all the flavor without the extra oil, making it a guilt-free yet indulgent meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third.
- Coat the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then press it into the cornflake mixture to form an even coat.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, mix the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the hot honey glaze over the chicken as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides, like coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your desired spice level.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornflakes to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle extra honey or sprinkle fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Make-Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
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