A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy

There’s something magical about combining the crunch of perfectly breaded chicken with the sweet heat of hot honey sauce. Oven-Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and flavor together in one bite. With its crispy cornflake coating and a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s baked—not fried—making it a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken.

Let’s dive into this deliciously addictive recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, but just as crispy.
• Bold Flavors: Sweet honey meets spicy hot sauce for the perfect balance.
• Easy Prep: Simple steps make it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, family meals, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	3 large (about 1 1/2 lbs)
Salt and pepper	To taste
Nonstick cooking spray	As needed

Flour Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Flour	1/2 cup (generous)
Brown sugar (packed)	3 tablespoons

Egg Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Large eggs (whisked)	3
Hot sauce	2 teaspoons

Breading Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Cornflakes (crushed)	5 cups
Paprika	1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Chili powder	1/2 teaspoon
Pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper	1/4 teaspoon

Hot Honey Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Honey	1/2 cup
Hot sauce	1/4 cup
Butter	3 tablespoons
Brown sugar (packed)	1 tablespoon
Apple cider vinegar	2 teaspoons
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Mustard powder	1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

1. Crush the cornflakes using a food processor, rolling pin, or your hands. Place in a shallow bowl.
2. Set up three separate shallow bowls for the flour mixture, egg mixture, and breading mixture.
3. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into strips or smaller pieces if desired.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. Bread the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.
3. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Transfer to the breading mixture and press firmly to coat all sides evenly. For extra crunch, dip back into the egg mixture and then the breading.
5. Place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet. For extra crispiness, use an oven-safe cooling rack over the baking sheet.
6. Spray the chicken lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Bake the Chicken

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

1. While the chicken bakes, combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and keep warm until ready to serve.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top.
2. Serve immediately with additional sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Ensure Even Coating

• Press the breading firmly onto the chicken for a crispy, even coating.

Use a Light-Colored Baking Sheet

• Dark baking sheets can cause the coating to brown too quickly.

Adjust the Spice Level

• Use more or less cayenne and hot sauce to customize the heat.

Serve Fresh

• For the best texture, serve the chicken immediately after baking.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	25g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	600mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and cornflakes to make the recipe gluten-free.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Cornflakes?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work as great substitutes.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

4. Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

5. What Sides Pair Well with This Dish?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad make excellent sides.

6. Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish	Why It Works
Mashed sweet potatoes	Balances the spicy sauce
Steamed broccoli	Adds a healthy contrast
Cornbread	Complements the honey flavor

Bring the Heat to Your Table

Oven-Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. The best part? It’s baked, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Ready to spice up your dinner? Gather your ingredients and make this irresistible dish tonight!

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