If you’re looking for a dish that combines savory crunch with a delightful sweet and spicy kick, this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Tender chicken pieces get a perfect crispy coating from crushed cornflakes, baked to golden perfection, and then drizzled with a luscious, sticky hot honey glaze that adds both heat and sweetness in every bite. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe effortlessly elevates simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, crunch, and that irresistible spicy-sweet finish. These pantry staples make it easy to whip up a fantastic meal without fuss.
- Chicken Tenders or Breasts: The star protein that stays juicy inside while crisping beautifully on the outside.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural chicken flavor perfectly.
- Flour: Helps create a light base layer for the crust to stick to.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds aromatic depth to the coating for a flavorful punch.
- Eggs: Acts as the binder to hold the crunchy cornflake coating firmly.
- Cornflakes: The secret to an ultra-crispy, golden texture without the heaviness of breadcrumbs.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): Gives the coating a subtle fiery note for those who love a bit of heat.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and assists in browning while baking.
- Hot Honey: The luscious drizzle that blends spiciness with sticky sweetness, finishing the dish perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the perfect temperature to bake your chicken tenders to a crisp, golden brown while locking in juiciness. This ensures even cooking and a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Step 2: Prepare and Dry the Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders or breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is a crucial step because it helps the coating stick better and guarantees that crispy texture we all crave.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Get organized by arranging three shallow bowls—one with a flour mixture seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; another with beaten eggs acting as the glue; and the third loaded with crushed cornflakes mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want an extra spicy kick.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press into the crushed cornflakes until fully coated. This triple-step coating is where the magic happens for ultimate crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken tenders on a greased or lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispness, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through baking so both sides get that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once baked, generously drizzle hot honey over the chicken while still warm. This not only adds a glossy, sticky finish but also layers on that sweet-spicy flavor that makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy, sticky tenders with your favorite dips like ranch or honey mustard. Prepare to hear lots of compliments because this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe truly hits all the right notes.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to brighten the dish with a fresh pop of color and a slight herbal touch. Toasted sesame seeds also work wonderfully for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple crisp salad, buttery mashed potatoes, or even sweet potato fries. Each side balances out the spicy-sweet chicken by adding either freshness or heartiness, making your meal both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe on soft slider buns with lettuce and pickles for mini sandwiches. Alternatively, chop and toss the chicken over a salad bowl or add as a topping for loaded baked potatoes for a creative weeknight dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can quickly reheat and enjoy the crispy hot honey goodness without needing to cook from scratch again.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze your cooked and cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen properly, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to one month.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crispy rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be sliced into strips to mimic tenders and will work perfectly with this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. Just be mindful of cooking time, as thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?
The heat level depends on the type of hot honey you use, but it generally provides a gentle, pleasant warmth with a sweet backdrop. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or even mix your own hot honey at home.
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, frying is an option if you want an even crispier crust, but baking offers a lighter, less oily outcome. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose based on your preference and how much time you have.
What if I don’t have cornflakes at home?
While cornflakes give a unique crisp texture, you can substitute them with crushed crispy rice cereal, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for different flavor profiles and crunch levels.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids generally love the crispy texture and sweet honey flavor. If heat is a concern, you can omit the cayenne pepper and use mild hot honey or just drizzle with regular honey instead.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into tender, crispy chicken coated in that irresistible hot honey drizzle. This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a celebration of flavor and texture that’s easy to make but feels special every time. I’m excited for you to try it and share it with your loved ones because once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite fast.
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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and spicy dish featuring tender chicken coated in seasoned flour and crushed cornflakes, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. This quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes and is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Breading
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 large Eggs
- 5 cups Cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Others
- Olive Oil (for drizzling or spraying)
- Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken tenders crispy and golden.
- Prepare the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps the coating stick better and results in crispier chicken.
- Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using), one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed cornflakes for coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the crushed cornflakes until fully coated for a crunchy crust.
- Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders on a lightly oiled baking sheet or a wire rack on a sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Once cooked and crispy, transfer the tenders to a serving plate and drizzle generously with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy kick.
- Serve: Serve the hot honey chicken immediately with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping to complement the flavors and add creaminess.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the chicken while baking.
- If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or drizzle additional hot honey.
- Chicken breasts can be cut into tender-like strips if preferred over tenders.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
