Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The cornflake crust provides an irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying.
• Balanced Flavor: The hot honey sauce offers a harmonious mix of sweetness and heat, elevating the dish to new heights.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is accessible even on busy nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cornflakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Large eggs, beaten
• Hot sauce
• Chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
2. Set Up Dredging Station: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and hot sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then press into the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the coating is crispy.
6. Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined and warmed.
7. Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the heat of the dish.
• Alternative Coatings: Substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Protein Options: This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in both the coating and the hot honey sauce to elevate the heat level.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces require longer cooking to reach safe internal temperatures.

Is there a substitute for cornflakes?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed pretzels can be used as alternatives to cornflakes for the coating.

How do I prevent the coating from becoming soggy?

Ensure the chicken is patted dry before coating, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

Can I prepare the hot honey sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it slightly before drizzling over the chicken.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables complement the flavors of hot honey chicken nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Using gluten-free cornflakes and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free will make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I air-fry the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, air-frying at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes can yield a similarly crispy result.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

What type of hot sauce works best?

A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco complements the honey well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to become a family favorite. Its straightforward preparation and customizable spice level make it a versatile dish suitable for any night of the week.

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