Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Dinner Ideas

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. This dish combines the crispy texture of baked chicken with a flavorful hot honey sauce, making it a family favorite. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, and it’s full of flavor. You can enjoy it for dinner or serve it at a gathering, and it’s sure to impress everyone.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free, if needed)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
3. Beat the eggs in a bowl, add the hot sauce and chicken, and toss well to coat.
4. Dredge the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back through the eggs, then through the crumbs a second time. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp all around.
5. Just before the chicken is done cooking, make the sauce. In a sauce pot, warm together the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt.
6. Drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken. Top with herbs. If the sauce thickens, warm for 5 seconds in the microwave. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

You can serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauces. This dish pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a colorful finish.

How to Store Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350° F until warmed through to keep it crispy.

Tips to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• For extra crunch, consider double-dipping the chicken in the egg and then the cornflake crumbs as mentioned in the recipe.
• You can adjust the heat level in the sauce based on your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• If you want to make this recipe even easier, use store-bought cornflake crumbs.

Variation

You can switch the chicken for cauliflower or tofu if looking for a vegetarian option. The same breading and hot honey sauce work well with these alternatives.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free cornflakes and ensure the hot sauce is also gluten-free.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

A: The spice level can be adjusted by changing the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use in the sauce. Start with less and increase to your taste!