If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch with a fiery-sweet kick, the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This recipe combines the irresistible crispness of cornflake-coated chicken tenders with the tantalizing heat and sweetness of hot honey drizzled on top. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect meal to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into making this crunchy, spicy, and utterly delicious treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, from creating that golden crispy coat to delivering the perfect spicy-sweet glaze. With simple pantry staples and a little fresh chicken, you’re set for an extraordinary meal.
- Chicken tenders or breasts: Tender and juicy, they’re your protein base for this recipe.
- Salt: Enhances natural flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle depth and balances the spice from the hot honey.
- Flour: Creates the first layer of the crispy coating.
- Garlic powder: Brings in savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds a sweet, aromatic hint to the flour mix.
- Eggs: The glue that holds the coating on the chicken for that perfect crunch.
- Cornflakes: Crushed to crunchy perfection, delivering an addictive texture.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Boosts the heat if you like things extra spicy.
- Olive oil: Helps the coating bake golden and crisp without deep frying.
- Hot honey: The star ingredient, adding that unforgettable spicy-sweet drizzle.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating it is key to ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and the coating crisps up beautifully without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels. This step prevents excess moisture which can make the coating soggy instead of crispy, ensuring every bite stays delightfully crunchy.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Organize three shallow bowls side by side: one with a seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder), the second with beaten eggs, and the third with crushed cornflakes mixed with cayenne pepper if you want a little extra heat. This system makes coating the chicken quick, efficient, and consistent.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the cornflake crumbs ensuring an even, thick crust. The triple-layer coat guarantees maximum crunch and flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated tenders on a greased baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the crust brown and crisp in the oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking and golden color on both sides.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once your chicken reaches that perfect crispy state, transfer it to a serving plate and drizzle generously with hot honey. This warm, spicy-sweet topping marries beautifully with the crunch and adds a glossy finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Get ready to share this flavor-packed meal with your loved ones. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the ultimate experience, ideally with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate the dish beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts perfectly with the spiced honey glaze.
Side Dishes
This crispy hot honey chicken pairs wonderfully with cool, creamy sides such as coleslaw or a crunchy green salad. For something heartier, oven-roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes make a perfect match for this sweet and spicy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken tenders and serve them stacked in a sandwich with crisp lettuce, pickles, and a smear of mayo or aioli. You can also serve them atop a bed of steamed rice drizzled with extra hot honey for a finger-licking feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken coated and uncovered initially on a rack before sealing can help retain crispness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without sacrificing too much texture.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back that crispy texture, avoid the microwave. Instead, heat in a 375-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. A quick broil for 1-2 minutes can re-crisp the crust wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders before coating for even cooking. The recipe works great with either option.
Is cornflakes the only coating option?
Cornflakes give an unbeatable crunch and slightly sweet flavor, but you can experiment with crushed pita chips, breadcrumbs, or even crushed nuts for a unique twist.
How spicy is the hot honey? Can it be adjusted?
The heat level largely depends on the hot honey brand you choose and how much you drizzle. For milder spice, use less hot honey or balance with plain honey. You can also skip cayenne pepper in the coating for less heat.
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, frying will give an even crispier crust but adds extra oil and calories. Baking is a healthier, easier way to achieve great crunch with less mess.
What dips go best with Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
Classic choices like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or blue cheese work beautifully, adding creamy contrast to the spicy-sweet and crunchy chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor and texture with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll reach for that bottle of hot honey again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, baked to perfection, and finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that combines crispy texture with a kick of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Dredging Mixture
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Coating
- 2 large Eggs
- 5 cups Cornflakes, crushed
Other
- Olive Oil, for drizzling or spraying
- Hot Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry thoroughly using paper towels; this helps the coating adhere better and promotes crispiness during baking.
- Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally cayenne pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with crushed cornflakes for the final coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it evenly with the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to adhere.
- Prepare for baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Lightly drizzle or spray olive oil over each piece to help achieve a golden crisp texture.
- Bake: Bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Drizzle hot honey: Remove the baked chicken tenders from the oven and immediately drizzle generously with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Serve: Serve your crispy hot honey chicken with your choice of dipping sauces like ranch dressing or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use either chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips depending on your preference.
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or drizzle additional hot honey.
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps keep the chicken crispy all around.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave.
