The Ultimate Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy textures paired with bold flavors, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the dish you’ve been waiting for. This recipe brings together the comforting crunch of perfectly breaded chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Best of all, this baked version is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or anytime you’re craving something truly special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts (4 pieces): Boneless and skinless chicken breasts provide a tender, juicy base for this dish.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Creates a base layer to help the breading stick.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the adhesive for the crunchy coating.
- Cornflakes Cereal (2 cups, crushed): The secret to that ultra-crispy texture. Crushing the cornflakes to a fine yet slightly chunky consistency ensures an even coating.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), paprika (1 teaspoon), salt (½ teaspoon), and black pepper (¼ teaspoon) add depth and flavor to the coating.
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- Honey (¼ cup): Sweet, sticky, and essential for the glaze.
- Hot Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adjust the heat to your liking. Try classic options like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Adds a velvety richness to the glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and spiciness with a hint of tang.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by placing a wire rack on top and greasing it lightly with cooking spray or vegetable oil. This ensures air circulation around the chicken, resulting in an even, golden crust.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Organize your breading ingredients into three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
This setup makes the breading process seamless and efficient.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere.
- Dip each breast into the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Submerge in the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Press each piece firmly into the seasoned cornflakes mixture, ensuring an even, thick coating.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The coating should be golden and crispy, and the chicken’s internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze:
- Combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until well combined, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce, depending on your preference.
6. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece. The warmth of the chicken helps the glaze seep into the crispy coating, enhancing its flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, high-quality honey, and vibrant spices elevate the dish.
- Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the hot sauce or use a sweeter alternative like sweet chili sauce.
- Crush Cornflakes Properly: Achieve the perfect texture by crushing the cornflakes with a rolling pin or pulsing them in a food processor.
- Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: This ensures the chicken stays crispy on all sides without becoming soggy.