Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free if needed); ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; ½ cup honey; 2-3 tbsp hot sauce; 1-3 tsp cayenne pepper; ¾ tsp chipotle chili powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Sea salt; Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Meet your new obsession: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Picture ultra-crispy chicken with a crave-worthy cornflake crust, drizzled in sticky-spicy hot honey, and finished with a fresh sprinkle of herbs. This dish manages to be gorgeously crunchy, bursting with sweet heat, and totally baked – not fried! It’s a dinner that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for any old weeknight (and let’s be real, leftovers are a dream). The balance of textures and bold flavors in Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken will have everyone around your table begging for seconds.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list for show-stopping flavor. Each item plays a starring role—bringing crunch, tang, spice, or sweetness to your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need, and why no substitution will do!

Cornflakes: These create the ultimate crunchy coating and can be swapped for gluten-free if needed.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty kick and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Gives warmly smoky, subtle heat and rich color.
Onion Powder: Boosts depth, keeping the seasoning balanced without overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Essential for all-over savoriness—don’t skip it!
Large Eggs: These bind the crumbs to the chicken and help lock in moisture.
Hot Sauce: Provides tang and a spicy punch, both in the egg wash and the honey sauce.
Chicken Breast Tenderloins: These cook up super moist and tender and are perfect for even breading.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle helps that crust bake up golden and delicious.
Honey: The sweet base of your hot honey sauce—go with a flavorful, good-quality variety.
Cayenne Pepper: Offers customizable heat in your hot honey—use more or less as you dare.
Chipotle Chili Powder: Hits with smokiness and warmth, deepening the sauce.
Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning both the crust and the sauce—don’t be shy.
Fresh Thyme, Cilantro, or Parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness at the finish.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken releases cleanly and stays extra crispy.

Step 2: Crush the Coating

Using a food processor, blitz together the cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until you’ve got fine, even crumbs that will stick beautifully to the chicken. Don’t have a processor? No worries—pop everything in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or even your feet for some stress relief!

Step 3: Drench the Chicken

Crack your eggs into a bowl, whisk well with the hot sauce, then toss in your chicken tenderloins. Make sure each piece is coated—this will help your crunchy coating stick and flavor the chicken from the inside out.

Step 4: Bread for Crunch

Take each saucy chicken tender and dredge it generously through your cornflake crumb mix. For an extra-thick crunch (my personal favorite!), give each piece a double dip: back into the eggs, then the crumbs, before placing on your prepared baking sheet. The more layers, the bigger the crunch!

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Line up your coated tenders, leaving a bit of space between each one. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the coating crisp up as they bake. Pop them into the oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and gloriously crisp on the outside.

Step 6: Whip Up Your Hot Honey Sauce

Just before your chicken finishes baking, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm gently (don’t boil!), just until everything’s melted and beautifully fragrant—if it thickens, a quick zap in the microwave brings it back to drizzly perfection.

Step 7: Sauce and Serve

Drizzle that hot honey sauce over your fresh-from-the-oven Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, then shower on your favorite chopped herbs for a punch of bright flavor. Get ready to wow your mouth—and everyone else at the table!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter fresh thyme, torn cilantro, or parsley over your platter for a burst of color and freshness. A finishing pinch of flaky sea salt or a few extra hot honey drizzles right before serving will elevate your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken even more.

Side Dishes

This chicken LOVES company. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, a tangy slaw, or a bright summer salad. Add warm biscuits or cornbread to soak up any extra hot honey pooling on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken into sliders on brioche buns with pickles and slaw, slice it to top a salad for lunch, or even cut it into strips for irresistible chicken tenders for dipping. The crunch and heat make it an instant star however you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce on the side if possible and drizzle just before eating to maintain the best crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the hot honey sauce separately in a small airtight container.

Reheating

For a crisp crust, reheat your chicken in a 375° F oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, an air fryer works wonders. Microwave only in a pinch—the coating will soften a bit. Warm the hot honey and drizzle once your chicken is piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed and make sure they’re cooked through and crisp.

Is there a way to make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken less spicy?

Definitely! Use less (or milder) hot sauce and dial down the cayenne in the honey sauce. On the flip side, if you love extra heat, add an extra pinch or two!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—you can skip the parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free hard cheese alternative. The cornflake crunch will still shine through.

What’s the best way to get the crispiest coating?

Double-dip your chicken (egg, crumbs, repeat), don’t skimp on the olive oil drizzle, and give each piece space on the baking sheet so the hot air can circulate freely.

Can I reheat Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in the microwave?

You can, but the coating won’t be as crunchy. For the best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer and add more hot honey right before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that brings bold flavor and major crunch without the mess of frying, you need to try Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. It’s a true showstopper you’ll want to make again and again—so gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready for the best spicy-sweet dinner of your week!