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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast tenderloins coated in a crispy, flavorful cornflake and parmesan crust, baked to perfection, and topped with a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. A perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, this dish is easy to prepare and makes for a deliciously addictive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Coating

  • 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
  • Sea salt, a pinch

Chicken and Batter

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Hot Honey Sauce

  • 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, a pinch

For Serving

  • Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and for easier cleanup.
  2. Make the Crumb Coating: In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine crumbs. If a food processor isn’t available, crush the cornflakes and parmesan mixture inside a ziplock bag by stepping on it until finely crushed. Transfer the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
  3. Prepare Chicken for Coating: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Add the chicken breast tenderloins to the egg mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of coated chicken through the cornflake crumb mixture until fully covered. For an extra crunchy coating, dip each piece back into the egg mixture, then again into the crumbs. Arrange the coated chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the chicken lightly with extra virgin olive oil to aid browning.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine honey, hot sauce (2-3 tablespoons), cayenne pepper (1-3 teaspoons, adjusted to heat preference), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until well combined and warmed through. Do not boil.
  7. Serve the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the pieces. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavors.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.
  • For gluten-free preparation, make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes.
  • If the hot honey sauce thickens too much, warm it briefly in the microwave for about 5 seconds to loosen.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
  • Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegetarian (not vegan) version.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, hot honey chicken, crunchy chicken, spicy honey chicken, cornflake chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken tenders

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/baked-crunchy-hot-honey-chicken-recipe/