Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken features tender chicken tenders or thighs marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crispy cornflake and panko crust, then baked to golden perfection. Drizzled with a spicy hot honey glaze, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and satisfying crunch, ideal for a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top to promote browning and crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce and red pepper flakes, removing from heat once combined.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle or brush the spicy hot honey evenly over each piece. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use freshly crushed cornflakes and avoid oversaturating them with oil.
- Adjust the spice level of the hot honey by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
- For a delightful variation, serve the chicken with ranch dressing, coleslaw, or over waffles for a fun, sweet-savory twist.
