Print

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 6 reviews

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a seasoned flour and crushed cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe combines simple ingredients and easy techniques to deliver maximum taste and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 5 cups Cornflakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • Olive Oil, for drizzling

For Serving

  • Hot Honey, for drizzling
  • Ranch Dressing or Honey Mustard, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well and prevents excess moisture during baking.
  2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk together the eggs. In the third, crush the cornflakes in a large zipper bag using a rolling pin, then place the crushed flakes in the bowl and sprinkle with cayenne pepper if desired.
  3. Season Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper before coating to allow seasoning to penetrate the meat.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring full coverage. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the crushed cornflakes so they adhere evenly and create a crispy crust.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders to promote browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
  6. Drizzle with Hot Honey: As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, generously drizzle hot honey over the tenders to add a sweet and spicy glaze.
  7. Serve: Serve the crispy hot honey chicken with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before coating ensures a crispier crust.
  • Using a wire rack while baking allows even air circulation, making the coating crispier.
  • The cayenne pepper in the cornflakes adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Broiling at the end of baking is optional but recommended for extra crunch.
  • Hot honey can be store-bought or homemade by mixing honey with a spicy chili sauce or flakes.
  • For frying option, heat oil to 350°F and fry coated tenders until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.