Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and spicy baked chicken recipe that features tender chicken coated in a crispy cornflake crust, baked to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer, this dish combines savory spices with a touch of heat and sweetness for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 large Eggs
- 5 cups Cornflakes (crushed)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Olive Oil (for greasing or spraying)
Finishing
- Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better and ensures crispiness.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In three shallow bowls, prepare the coating ingredients: in the first bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper; in the second bowl, beat the eggs to create an egg wash; and in the third bowl, crush the cornflakes evenly for the crispy outer layer.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove from the oven and generously drizzle hot honey over the tenders to add a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy hot honey chicken immediately, pairing it with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping, enhancing the flavor contrast.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for cornflakes if you prefer a different texture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Hot honey can be store-bought or homemade by infusing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
