Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner idea that’s perfect for family meals or parties? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy coating, tender chicken, and a sweet yet fiery glaze. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating 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. This setup ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crunchy texture.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Set up your breading station:

• In one shallow dish, place the flour.
• In another, beat the eggs.
• In a third dish, mix the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken

• Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess.
• Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
• Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflakes mixture until fully coated.

4. Place on Wire Rack

Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

5. Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken is baking, mix the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.

7. Apply the Glaze

Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece while still hot.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken cool slightly, then serve it with your favorite side dishes. It pairs perfectly with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Side Pairings: This flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli.
• Drizzle Extra Glaze: Reserve some hot honey glaze to drizzle over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Party-Friendly Option: Cut the chicken into strips or smaller portions before baking to create bite-sized pieces that are perfect for party platters.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken on a wire rack to reheat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain its crispiness.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a crunchy texture.
  • Microwave: While quick, the microwave can make the coating less crispy. If using this method, heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick Variation

• Increase the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cornflake coating for an extra fiery kick.
• Double the Spice: Use a spicier hot sauce, such as sriracha or ghost pepper sauce, in the glaze.

2. Sweet and Tangy Twist

• Citrus Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh orange or lime juice for a tangy, citrusy flavor.
• Maple Honey Combo: Mix honey with maple syrup for a slightly sweeter glaze.

3. Garlic-Parmesan Crust

• Flavorful Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to the cornflake mixture for a rich, savory crust.
• Garlic Butter Glaze: Swap the hot sauce for garlic butter in the glaze for a mild, buttery finish.

4. Herbaceous Blend

• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the cornflake mixture for an earthy aroma.
• Honey-Herb Glaze: Infuse the glaze with dried or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

5. Gluten-Free Option

• Alternative Flour: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Gluten-Free Coating: Swap cornflakes for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.

6. Asian-Inspired Flavor

• Soy Sauce Twist: Add a splash of soy sauce to the honey glaze for a savory umami flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the glazed chicken for an added crunch.

7. Honey Mustard Delight

• Mustard Zing: Combine honey with Dijon mustard in the glaze for a sweet and tangy combination.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels to the coating for a salty-sweet twist.

8. Vegetarian Alternative

• Swap the Protein: Use thick slices of tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Coat and bake them as per the original recipe.
• Hot Honey Veggies: Brush the glaze over roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.

These variations let you customize the recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or creative flair. Whether you crave extra spice, a tangy twist, or something entirely new, this dish adapts beautifully!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe! Adjust the baking time as thighs may cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less hot sauce in the glaze or replace it with a mild chili sauce. You can also omit the hot sauce entirely for a sweet honey glaze.

3. What can I use instead of cornflakes for the coating?
You can substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips for a different texture.

4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking. Wait to apply the glaze until just before serving.

5. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour alternative and replace cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.

6. Can I air fry this chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. What sides go best with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a sweet touch, try serving it with cornbread.

8. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness.

9. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it slightly before applying it to the chicken.

10. Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works well with pork chops, fish fillets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein.

These FAQs should answer common questions and make your cooking experience even easier!

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for an exciting twist on chicken dinner, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe will not disappoint. With its crispy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s destined to be a hit. Whip up a batch today and let the compliments roll in!

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