If you’re craving chicken that’s bold, crispy, and impossibly juicy with a sweet-spicy kick, get ready to fall head over heels for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken! Think golden-crunchy cornflake coating, tender bites of chicken, and a glossy drizzle of hot honey—each bite is totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wildly Crunchy Texture: A cornflake crust means every bite is satisfyingly crispy—even when baked, not fried.
- Sweet and Spicy Perfection: That hot honey drizzle takes classic crispy chicken from tasty to totally unforgettable.
- Weeknight Friendly: With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken fits right into your busiest schedule.
- Hands-Down Family Favorite: This is one chicken recipe that gets requests for seconds (or thirds!) every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples create something as crave-worthy as Crispy Hot Honey Chicken! Every ingredient pulls its weight, from the savory-flavor-packed flour coating to the golden cornflake crunch and that irresistible, gooey hot honey on top.
- Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—choose tenders for convenience or slice breasts into strips for hearty homemade nuggets.
- Salt & Pepper: These classic seasonings boost flavor from the inside out.
- Flour: For locking in moisture and ensuring the coating sticks.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential for a savory background note in that first crumb layer.
- Eggs: The vital glue that makes the cornflakes stick for an ultra-thick crust.
- Cornflakes: Crushed up, they create that unbeatable, shatteringly crisp exterior.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For anyone who wants more heat with their sweet!
- Olive Oil: A gentle drizzle for golden oven-crisping without any deep-fryer hassle.
- Hot Honey: The sweet, spicy heart of the dish—don’t skimp!
Variations
The beauty of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is how beautifully it adapts to whatever you have on hand or whatever your tastebuds are craving. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this dish—it’s so easy to swap out spices or adjust the heat level!
- Smoky Kick: Add a shake of smoked paprika to the flour for a deep, barbecue-inspired flavor.
- Cheesy Crust: Stir in a handful of grated parmesan with the crushed cornflakes for extra richness and salty goodness.
- Extra Spicy: Mix a few dashes of hot sauce into the eggs or double the cayenne pepper for fiery flavor fans.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free cornflakes and a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to keep the recipe friendly for all.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders (or strips of chicken breast) completely dry with paper towels. This small step is key: it helps the flour coat the chicken evenly and prevents sogginess once your tenders are in the oven.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Stations
Next, grab three shallow bowls. In the first, combine your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crack and beat your eggs in the second bowl (add a few drops of hot sauce if you want!). Crush cornflakes in a large zip-top bag, pour them into the third bowl, and sprinkle with cayenne pepper for a fiery touch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dip your chicken into the seasoned flour, making sure every side gets coverage. Move it to the egg wash, then finally press it into the cornflakes, really pushing the cereal onto the chicken so it sticks like armor—this is the secret to ultra-crunchy Crispy Hot Honey Chicken!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Line a baking sheet with parchment or set a wire rack over the sheet. Arrange your chicken pieces with space in between and drizzle (don’t slather!) with olive oil. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the coating is beautifully crisp and golden. If you want an extra crunch, pop the tray under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey
No one can resist this final touch! While your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is still hot from the oven, generously drizzle each piece with sweet-and-spicy hot honey. Let it soak into the crunchy coating—that sticky, sweet heat is pure magic.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve right away while the chicken is piping hot and the glaze is glistening. Add ranch or honey mustard for dipping—and just try to stop at one piece!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
- Maximize Crunch: Use your hands to firmly press the crushed cornflakes onto each chicken piece so the coating stays put and gets extra thick.
- Cornflake Consistency: Don’t pulverize the cornflakes; small, coarse crumbs are perfect for that signature shattering crunch.
- Crisping in the Oven: Place the chicken on a wire rack if possible—hot air can circulate all around and crisp every side, not just the bottom!
- Broiler Finish: If you want a wow-worthy crunch, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the very end—but watch carefully, as it can brown fast.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Garnishes
This chicken loves a little fresh garnish! Try scattering chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thin-sliced green onion over the top—the bright green colors pop against the golden crust and add a fresh bite that balances the sweet heat.
Side Dishes
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is right at home alongside classic comfort sides. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, or simple roasted veggies. For a more casual meal, toss it into a fresh salad or tuck into warm sandwich buns for crowd-pleasing chicken sandwiches!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a party centerpiece by piling the tenders onto a wooden board, surrounding them with tiny dipping bowls of ranch and honey mustard. Or, try slicing the chicken and layering it over waffles, then drizzling even more hot honey. For game day, serve bite-sized pieces with toothpicks for the ultimate shareable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep that signature crunch, let leftover Crispy Hot Honey Chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the coating stays surprisingly crispy if you avoid packing the tenders too tightly.
Freezing
Want to save chicken for later? Arrange the cooked, cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and ready for a quick meal for up to 2 months. Skip the hot honey until after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive the magic of freshly made Crispy Hot Honey Chicken, bake your leftovers at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Avoid the microwave—it softens the crust! Add fresh hot honey just before serving for that oozy, spicy finish.
FAQs
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Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! If you want an extra-crunchy crust, fry the coated chicken tenders in about 1/2 inch of hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to drain them on paper towels before drizzling with hot honey for maximum crispiness.
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Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep and coat the chicken up to a few hours in advance—just store it covered in the fridge on a wire rack. Bake right before serving and add the hot honey when they’re freshly hot for the crispiest possible results.
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How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is dry before coating, and always press the cornflakes onto the chicken really well after the egg wash. Don’t rush the process—each step helps the crust cling tightly, making every bite shatteringly crisp.
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Is there a substitute for hot honey?
If you can’t find store-bought hot honey, make your own by mixing regular honey with a dash or two of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat to your liking for that signature sweet-and-spicy finish!
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t wait for you to experience just how crazy-good homemade Crispy Hot Honey Chicken can be. It’s pure comfort food but with a bold flavor twist—a perfect, easy dish you’ll want to make on repeat for meals, parties, or any night you want something memorable. Give it a try, and be prepared for a new family favorite at your table!
PrintCrispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines tender chicken coated in seasoned flour, egg wash, and crunchy cornflakes, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Coating:
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
Egg Wash:
- 2 large Eggs
Cornflake Coating:
- 5 cups Cornflakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Others:
- Olive Oil
- Hot Honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pat dry the chicken tenders.
- Prepare dredging stations: Season flour. Whisk eggs. Crush cornflakes and season.
- Season chicken: Optionally season with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat with cornflakes.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins, flipping halfway through.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Serve with ranch or honey mustard.
Notes
- Fry option available for a crunchier texture.
- Additional seasonings like paprika or parmesan can be incorporated.
- Ensure chicken is dry before coating for better adhesion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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