Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Dish

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, look no further than baked crunchy hot honey chicken. This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Here’s a detailed guide to creating this mouthwatering dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
2 lbs of chicken breast tenderloins
2 large eggs
Extra virgin olive oil

For the Coating:
6 cups of cornflakes, crushed
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

For the Spices:
1 tsp of onion powder
1 tsp of powdered garlic
1 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tsp of sea salt
3/4 tsp of chipotle chili powder
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
Fresh thyme

For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/2 cup of honey
4 tbsp of hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Crush the Cornflakes:

In a large bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, powdered garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, chipotle chili powder, cayenne pepper, and fresh thyme. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Prepare the Wet Mixture:

In another bowl, beat the eggs. This will be used to help the cornflake mixture adhere to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken:

Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the bowl with the cornflake mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Chicken:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each piece of chicken to help it achieve a golden, crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.

Bake the Chicken:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each piece of chicken to help it achieve a golden, crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.

Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through and well combined. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Tips and Variations

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture and the hot sauce in the honey glaze. Alternatively, for extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper and choose a spicier hot sauce.

Alternative Coatings: While cornflakes provide a fantastic crunch, you can experiment with other coatings such as crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, or even finely chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.

Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, ensure that your cornflakes are certified gluten-free. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, such as the hot sauce, do not contain any hidden gluten.

Marinade for Extra Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate the tenderloins in a mixture of buttermilk and a few tablespoons of hot sauce for a few hours before coating and baking. This will add tenderness and depth to the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Baked crunchy hot honey chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers can complement the flavors of the chicken.

Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.

Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy, refreshing side that balances the heat of the chicken.

Conclusion

Baked crunchy hot honey chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements in a harmonious blend. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the process of making this delicious meal and savor every bite!