Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cornflakes (crushed); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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If you’re ready to experience flavor fireworks, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken might just become your new obsession. Each bite bursts with the addictive combo of juicy, tender chicken enrobed in a perfectly crisp, cornflake coating, then finished off with a just-right drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. This dish is one of those magic meals that looks and tastes like a restaurant favorite, but is incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or impressing weekend guests, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken always delivers irresistible crunch, bold flavor, and rave reviews!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken so special. Each ingredient here is carefully chosen for maximum flavor and texture, with super simple prep. Every element plays a delicious role, from the tenderizing marinade to the crisp crunch and that unforgettable hot honey finish!

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and tender results—thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts keep it lean.
Buttermilk: This classic marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and makes it unbelievably juicy and tender.
Garlic powder: A pantry staple for a gentle kick and deep savory notes throughout every bite.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and an inviting color to the chicken coating.
Salt and black pepper: Absolutely crucial for bringing out every layer of flavor in your chicken.
Cornflakes: The real secret to that incredibly satisfying, shatteringly crisp breading that everyone raves about.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese panko adds extra crunch and lightness—don’t skip it for that true oven-fried effect!
Olive oil: Helps the breading brown beautifully and stay crisp without deep frying.
Honey (for hot honey): The rich, golden base for your spicy-sweet drizzle—choose your favorite local honey for best flavor.
Hot sauce: Brings customizable heat; use your favorite brand and go gently if you’re spice-sensitive.
Red pepper flakes: For an extra fiery finish and lovely specks of color in the honey.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces in this tangy bath and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, overnight marination makes the chicken ultra tender and richly seasoned. This step gives Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken its fabulous flavor foundation!

Step 2: Prep Your Crunchy Coating

In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed cornflakes and panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until everything is well mixed. The oil makes sure the coating gets golden and crispy in the oven, mimicking deep-frying without all the mess or extra calories. This double-breading is key for that signature crunch you want in Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove each piece of marinated chicken, shaking off any excess buttermilk. Press the chicken firmly into the cornflake and panko mixture, making sure each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated on all sides. Don’t be shy—really press those crumbs on so you get a thick, shattering crust after baking!

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Crisp

Arrange the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack. Slide them into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once if desired for ultra-even crispness. You’re looking for gorgeous golden brown, with the internal temp hitting 165°F. For an even crunchier finish, broil for the last 2 minutes, but keep a close eye so nothing burns.

Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, add honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for just a couple of minutes until the honey is thinned and fragrant—it shouldn’t boil. Right before serving, generously drizzle this spicy, amber elixir over your crisp, golden chicken. This magical finishing touch truly sets Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken apart!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green brightness, while a few extra chili flakes (for the spice-lovers) give it that eye-catching finish. For a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon complements the sweet heat of the hot honey beautifully. Don’t forget a little flaky sea salt right at the end—it’s a chef’s trick for next-level flavor!

Side Dishes

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is wildly versatile, pairing well with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple garden salad. For something special, try it with sweet potato fries or roasted corn on the cob to round out your meal with sweetness and texture. If you want a lighter plate, opt for grilled asparagus or a zesty cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, slice the chicken and stack it on sliders or tuck it into warm buns with tangy pickles and a little extra hot honey. Cut it into strips for incredible chicken tenders, ideal for dipping. Or serve as part of a crowd-pleasing platter, with ramekins of the hot honey, ranch, and crunchy veggie sticks—it’s instant party food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, let it cool completely before storing. Place the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep the coating crisp and make it easy to grab just what you need.

Freezing

This chicken freezes surprisingly well, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. For best results, freeze the baked and cooled chicken (without the hot honey drizzle) on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep the coating intact rather than soggy. Store for up to two months for easy, flavor-packed meals anytime.

Reheating

To revive that signature crunch, reheat Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the coating chewy rather than crisp. Drizzle on fresh hot honey after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken—they’re extra juicy and full of flavor. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if your thighs are particularly thick; an internal temperature of 165°F is your best guide.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free cornflakes and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to tailor the dish to your needs without sacrificing any crunch or flavor.

How spicy is the hot honey, and can I adjust the heat?

The hot honey can be as mild or as fiery as you’d like. Start with the minimum amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then taste and add more for extra kick. It’s designed to be customizable, so everyone can enjoy their preferred level of heat.

Can I make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken ahead for a party?

Definitely! Bake the chicken just before your event, then keep warm in a low oven. Drizzle with hot honey just before serving. For maximum crunch, avoid covering with foil or plastic as it sits—this preserves that craveable crust.

What’s the best way to crush the cornflakes?

Pour the cornflakes into a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan to crush them to your preferred texture—some bigger bits add more crunch, while finer crumbs coat more evenly. You can also pulse in a food processor for extra convenience, but be cautious not to turn them into dust!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about gathering around the table and digging into a plate of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken—the combination of crispy coating, juicy meat, and spicy-sweet honey never fails to impress. If you haven’t tried this game-changing dish yet, now’s your chance! Give it a go, customize the heat to your liking, and enjoy the mouthwatering results with your favorite people.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines the perfect blend of crispy texture with a touch of sweet heat. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a crunchy cornflake mixture, these chicken breasts deliver a flavorful kick with a drizzle of hot honey sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cornflakes (crushed)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Hot Honey:

1/2 cup honey
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the coating: Mix crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil in a bowl.
Coat the chicken: Coat each chicken piece in the cornflake mixture and place on the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Make the hot honey: Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
Drizzle and serve: Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken before serving.