Description
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Looking for the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and crunchy? This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken brings all three to the table! It’s a healthier twist compared to deep-fried options, but just as satisfying. Enjoy the balance of tender chicken with a crispy cornflake crust and a flavorful hot honey glaze that’s easy to make but sure to impress.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups crushed cornflakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking spray
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) & set up breading stations.
2. Coat chicken: flour, eggs, cornflakes.
3. Bake for 25-30 mins, prepare hot honey glaze.
4. Glaze chicken, serve.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 450 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Breading Stations: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top; coat with cooking spray. In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour (mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper) in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and crushed cornflakes in the third.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Dredge each breast thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring an even, complete coating. Place on the prepared wire rack.
3. Bake: Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
4. Make the Glaze & Finish: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until smooth. Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the baked chicken just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with cooling sides to balance the heat. Serve it alongside creamy coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or classic mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, try roasted broccoli or zucchini noodles. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the side dishes for an extra flavor boost.
How-to Summary
Create a crispy, baked chicken by coating breasts in seasoned flour, egg, and crushed cornflakes. Bake at 375°F until cooked through. Finish with a simple, warm glaze of honey, hot sauce, butter, and vinegar for a perfect sweet-spicy crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well but may require a slightly longer baking time (30-35 mins). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free cornflakes.
3. My cornflake coating isn’t sticking. What went wrong?
Ensure you shake off excess flour and let excess egg drip off before the cornflake step. Pressing firmly is key. Also, patting the chicken dry before starting helps the flour adhere.
4. Can I make the glaze spicier or milder?
Yes. Adjust the heat by using more or less hot sauce, or try different varieties like sriracha for a garlicky heat or a milder pepper sauce.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which will make the coating soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Wire Rack: Baking directly on a sheet pan steams the bottom crust. A wire rack allows air circulation for maximum crunch.
- Not Crushing Cornflakes Enough: Pieces that are too large won’t adhere properly. Crush them into small, uniform bits for the best coating.
- Applying Glaze Before Baking: The honey will burn. Always add the hot honey glaze after the chicken is fully baked.
- Crowding the Pan: Leave space between chicken pieces to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy all over.
Conclusion
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors without the fuss of deep-frying. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that proves healthy can be deliciously crispy, sweet, and spicy. Master the simple breading technique and customizable glaze for a guaranteed weeknight winner or impressive dish for guests.