Description

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.

Notes

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.