Description
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken features a crispy, cornflake-crusted exterior with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Baked instead of fried, this dish is easy, healthier, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Coating: In a food processor, pulse together the cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor, crush the cornflakes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with the hot sauce until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the cornflake crumbs, pressing firmly to coat. For extra crispiness, repeat the process by dipping it back into the eggs and then again into the crumbs.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is golden brown.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt until smooth. Let it simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the cayenne and chipotle powder.
- To make this in an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Reheating tip: Warm leftovers in the oven at 375°F or in an air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg