If you crave a dish that perfectly balances irresistible crunch with sweet heat, then this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken coated in a super crispy cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection, then generously drizzled with a sticky, spicy, and sweet hot honey glaze that sings with every bite. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t just satisfy hunger but ignites your taste buds, making any meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe brings a burst of bold flavor and comforting texture that’s simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors right for this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is all about using simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create that perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet. Each one plays an essential role in flavor, texture, or presentation, helping you achieve mouthwatering results every time.
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: Choose tender pieces for quick cooking and juicy results.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper: Gives a subtle peppery warmth that complements the hot honey.
- 1/2 cup Flour: The base for the crisp coating to help the cornflakes stick perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth without overwhelming the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: Offers a mild sweetness and enhances the crust’s flavor.
- 2 large Eggs: Creates the perfect sticky layer to anchor the crispy cornflakes.
- 5 cups Cornflakes: Crush finely or coarsely for that signature crunch and a golden hue.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional): Adds just the right amount of kick if you like extra spice.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling and baking to a crispy, golden finish.
- Hot Honey: The star of the show—sweet, spicy, and sticky to drizzle over the chicken.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees—this temperature is key to getting that beautiful golden crust on your chicken. While it’s warming up, pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coatings will adhere well without getting soggy.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Organize your workspace with three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder), one with the eggs beaten into an egg wash, and the last with crushed cornflakes mixed with cayenne pepper if you want a little extra heat. This setup helps the chicken get evenly coated and makes the process smooth and fun.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now, dive into the fun part—dredging! First, coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour to give it a dry base, then dip it in the egg wash for moisture, and finally press it deeply into the cornflakes to create a thick, crunchy crust. Make sure every inch of chicken is covered for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place your coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased, and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to crisp both sides evenly. The kitchen will soon be filled with a tantalizing aroma!
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, the final step is pure magic. Generously drizzle warm hot honey over each tender so it clings to the crunchy crust, marrying spicy sweetness with crispy texture in every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like creamy ranch or honey mustard for an added layer of flavor—and get ready to enjoy the best Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe that feels like a restaurant favorite made right at home.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key to balance the richness, so sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even thinly sliced jalapeños on top to add color, brightness, and a bit of fresh heat that complements the hot honey drizzle perfectly.
Side Dishes
This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with crunchy coleslaw, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies to round out the meal. For lighter options, try a crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans to keep the focus on the bold flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken tenders stacked on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces, or make mini sliders with soft buns and pickled veggies drizzled with extra hot honey. It’s an eye-catching, finger-friendly way to enjoy this irresistible Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, though the crust might slightly soften over time compared to when freshly baked.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen tenders can last up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that satisfying crunch after storage, reheat your tenders in a 375-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the crispy coating, as it tends to get soggy quickly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well—just slice them into thinner strips to ensure even cooking and maintain the perfect crispy texture.
How spicy is this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable! The optional cayenne pepper in the cornflake coating and the hot honey drizzle offer a moderate kick that you can tone down or amp up to match your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free. This way, you can keep the crunch and flavor without any gluten.
What’s the best way to crush cornflakes?
Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands for a chunkier texture. Adjust the crush size based on your preferred level of crunch.
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, frying will create an even crispier crust, but baking is lighter and more convenient—plus, the oven method still delivers fantastic crunch and flavor with less oil.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe that keeps me coming back for more—it’s the perfect harmony of crispy crust, tender chicken, and that sweet-spicy drizzle that makes every bite special. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see just how easy it is to create such a delicious dish that feels like a celebration on your plate. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and share it with those you care about because magic like this deserves to be enjoyed together!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken recipe features juicy chicken tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that balances heat with sweet and savory elements.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Coating
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 5 cups Cornflakes, crushed
Other
- Olive Oil (for drizzling or brushing)
- Hot Honey (for drizzling after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier crust.
- Set up Dredging Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using), another with beaten eggs, and the third with crushed cornflakes for the crunchy coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. Then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed cornflakes. Press the cornflakes gently to adhere well.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Drizzle or lightly brush with olive oil to help with crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: After baking, generously drizzle the crispy chicken tenders with hot honey to add a perfect balance of sweet heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, optionally paired with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping to complement the flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use crushed cornflakes rather than finely ground.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust to your heat preference.
- Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- Use gluten-free flour and cornflakes for a gluten-free version.
- Hot honey can be purchased or made by infusing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
