Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Introduction

When I first discovered the recipe for Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of combining crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick sounded irresistible. After preparing it for dinner last weekend, I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations! My family couldn’t stop raving about the crunchiness of the chicken and the delicious hot honey glaze. This dish not only satisfies cravings for fried chicken but also offers a healthier alternative that everyone loved.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Set up a breading station:

• In one shallow dish, place the flour.
• In another dish, beat the eggs.
• In a third dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken:

Take each chicken breast and dip it into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the seasoned cornflakes mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere well.

4. Bake the Chicken:

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze:

While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze by mixing together the honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

6. Apply the Glaze:

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and generously brush the hot honey glaze over each piece while it’s still hot.

7. Serve:

Let the chicken cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• With Sides:
• Coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables (like broccoli or carrots)
• Simple green salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Garnish Options:
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
• Extra hot honey drizzle

Additional Tips

1. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze based on your preference. For milder flavors, reduce the hot sauce and add more honey.
2. Chicken Breasts: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if needed.
3. Breading Variations: Try adding different seasonings to the cornflakes mixture, such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or dried herbs for added flavor.
4. Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken and bread it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
5. Serving Temperature: This chicken is best served hot, but it can also be enjoyed cold as a crunchy salad topping.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken: Add minced garlic to the hot honey glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
• Crispy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower florets for the chicken for a vegetarian option.
• Honey Mustard Variation: Replace the hot sauce with mustard for a tangy twist on the glaze.
• Cheesy Crust: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the cornflake coating for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with homemade biscuits or cornbread for a comforting Southern-style meal.
• Pair with a tangy slaw that balances the sweetness of the honey glaze.
• Create a buffet-style dinner with various sides so everyone can customize their plate.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the crispiness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through properly.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes.

3. What kind of hot sauce works best?

Any hot sauce you enjoy will work! Popular choices include Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha.

4. Can I make the hot honey glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

5. Is there a substitute for cornflakes?

Yes, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips can work well for a similar crunch.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown.

7. Can I use other meats?

Absolutely! This recipe can also work with pork chops or turkey breasts.

8. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Ensure the chicken is baked on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two baking sheets if necessary.

10. What are some good side dishes to serve with this?

Coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all excellent pairings!

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional fried chicken, combining the best of both worlds—crispy texture and a mouthwatering sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table while being healthier than its fried counterpart. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking to switch up your weeknight meals, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close at hand. Try it tonight, and watch as your family falls in love with this flavorful creation!

Print