Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this chicken delivers big flavor with minimal frying or mess. The crushed cornflake coating creates an unbelievably crispy texture in the oven—no deep-frying required. The hot honey sauce adds a punchy mix of sweet heat that clings beautifully to the crunchy coating. Whether I’m serving it up for family dinner or making a batch for meal prep, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crunchy coating:
6 cups cornflakes cereal (gluten free if needed)
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
sea salt, to taste

For the chicken:
2 large eggs, well beaten
2 tbsp hot sauce
2 lb chicken breast tenders
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the spicy honey sauce:
½ cup honey
2 to 3 tbsp hot sauce
1 to 3 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¾ tsp chipotle chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
sea salt, as needed

For garnish:
fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, I pulse the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until I have fine crumbs. If I don’t have a processor handy, I crush everything in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin—or even by stepping on it carefully!

3. I beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce in a bowl. Then I add the chicken tenders and toss until they’re fully coated.

4. One by one, I dredge the chicken pieces in the crumb mixture, making sure they’re well covered. If I want a super thick coating, I dip them again in the egg mixture and then dredge again.

5. I place the coated chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help them crisp up. I bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden.

6. While the chicken bakes, I prepare the sauce. In a small pot over low heat, I combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. I stir it gently until warmed and well-blended. If the sauce thickens too much, a quick few seconds in the microwave helps loosen it up.

7. Once the chicken is done, I drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the tenders and garnish with chopped herbs. I like to serve them right away while they’re still hot and crispy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 2,375 kcal (entire recipe) / around 590 kcal per serving

Variations

• I swap chicken tenders for boneless chicken thighs when I want something even juicier.

• For a gluten-free version, I make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes and double-check my hot sauce.

• When I want less heat, I use only 1 tbsp hot sauce in the glaze and skip the cayenne entirely.

• To turn this into a sandwich, I tuck the tenders into buns with pickles and slaw.

• I’ve even served the tenders chopped over a salad with extra dressing for a spicy-sweet crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in an airtight container and reheat it in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I store any extra sauce separately and reheat gently before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the coated chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day. I wait to bake and glaze it just before serving for the crispiest result.

Is the hot honey sauce very spicy?

It depends on how much cayenne and hot sauce I use. I start small and adjust based on my preference. For a milder version, I use just honey and a small splash of hot sauce.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely. I air fry at 390°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, and they come out super crispy with less oil.

What sides go well with this?

I love pairing this chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even mac and cheese for comfort food heaven. A side salad also balances out the heat and richness.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

Yes, but I adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger pieces take 35–45 minutes and may need to be tented with foil to prevent the coating from over-browning.

Conclusion

This Baked Hot Honey Chicken is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s easy, bold, and has that perfect mix of crispy texture and sticky-spicy-sweet flavor. Whether I’m feeding the family or just craving something comforting and craveable, this dish always hits the mark.

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