Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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.

this Recipe

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!

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

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!

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