Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is an irresistibly crispy, oven-baked chicken dish tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey glaze. This recipe brings all the flavor and crunch of fried chicken—without the grease—making it perfect for weeknight meals or game-day spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the best of both worlds: bold, crave-worthy flavor and a healthier cooking method. The cornflake coating gives the chicken an ultra-crispy crust, while the homemade hot honey sauce adds a lip-tingling sweetness with just the right amount of heat. It’s easy, family-friendly, and customizable to your spice level.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Buttermilk
• Cornflakes (crushed)
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• Honey
• Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Apple cider vinegar
• Butter

directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into strips or nuggets if desired. Place in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine crushed cornflakes, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere the coating well.
4. Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and butter. Heat over low, stirring until melted and warm.
6. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the warm chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use chicken wings or tenders for bite-sized party snacks.
• Substitute panko or crushed pretzels for cornflakes for a different texture.
• Add cayenne pepper to the breading for an extra spicy kick.
• Make it dairy-free with almond milk + lemon juice in place of buttermilk.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime over the finished chicken for brightness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warm and crispy—about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but increase the bake time and use a thermometer to ensure doneness (165°F internal temp).

Is cornflake coating better than breadcrumbs?

Cornflakes give an ultra-crunchy texture that holds up beautifully in the oven.

How spicy is the hot honey?

Moderately spicy—you can adjust by changing the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cornflakes and a GF flour blend.

What’s a good hot sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or even sriracha work well, depending on your heat preference.

Can I air fry this recipe?

Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.

Can I skip the marinating step?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor, but you can skip if short on time.

Does the hot honey go on before or after baking?

After baking—for the best crunch and glaze effect.

Can I make the hot honey in advance?

Yes, store in a jar and reheat gently before serving.

What should I serve this with?

Pair with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, slaw, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers bold flavor and a satisfying crunch without deep-frying. With its sweet-heat glaze and golden coating, it’s the perfect combo of comfort and spice. Serve it up hot and crispy for a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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