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Sometimes, you want a meal that’s equal parts comfort and excitement. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Quick and Delicious! delivers just that. This recipe is a flavor-packed combination of crispy baked chicken and a sweet yet fiery hot honey glaze. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Imagine biting into golden, crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that dances on your taste buds. This dish combines the satisfaction of fried chicken with the lightness and ease of baking. The crunch from the cornflake coating paired with the sticky, spicy hot honey glaze creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting.
Ingredients for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Amount |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
Eggs (beaten) | 2 |
Cornflakes cereal (crushed) | 2 cups |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Cooking spray or vegetable oil | For greasing |
For the Hot Honey Glaze
Ingredient | Amount |
Honey | ¼ cup |
Hot sauce | 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste) |
Melted butter | 1 tablespoon |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a crispy coating.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Take one chicken breast and coat it in flour, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Roll the chicken in the seasoned cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded chicken breast on the prepared wire rack.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even browning.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- While the chicken is baking, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level.
6. Glaze the Chicken
- Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven.
- Brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece while it’s still warm.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken cool slightly before serving.
- Pair it with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve extra hot honey glaze on the side for dipping!
Tips for the Best Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
- Crush the Cornflakes Evenly: Place the cornflakes in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a consistent texture.
- Use a Wire Rack: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy all around.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without drying out.
- Customize the Spice Level: Add more or less hot sauce depending on your heat tolerance.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
Calories | 360 |
Protein | 30g |
Total Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 10g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Why This Recipe is Quick and Delicious
- No Frying Needed: Baking the chicken eliminates the mess and extra calories of frying while still delivering that coveted crunch.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game-day treat, this dish fits the bill.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken
Here are some sides and pairings to complement the dish:
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- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances the sweetness and heat of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a hearty side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the bold flavors.
- Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with the hot honey glaze.
Variations to Try
- Spicy BBQ Glaze: Replace hot sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add dried thyme, oregano, or parsley to the cornflake coating for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken and substitute plant-based ingredients for the glaze.
- Extra Crunchy: Mix panko breadcrumbs with the cornflakes for an even crispier coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay juicier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the hot honey glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it before use.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
4. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Is there a substitute for cornflakes?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute.
6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or cornflakes for a gluten-free version.
Why You Should Make This Recipe Tonight
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Quick and Delicious! is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With its crispy texture, sweet and spicy glaze, and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion: Ready to Elevate Your Dinner Game?
Now that you know how to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Quick and Delicious!, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!
PrintBaked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Quick and Delicious!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken combines crispy baked chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying crunch without the mess of frying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 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 grease it lightly with cooking spray or oil.
- Set Up the Breading Station
- In a shallow dish, add the flour.
- In a second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Press the chicken into the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Glaze the Chicken
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven.
- Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken while it’s still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken cool slightly before serving.
- Pair with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Crush the cornflakes evenly for consistent texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Adjust the glaze’s spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American