Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for those who enjoy the contrast of crunchy and juicy chicken with a bold flavor profile. The crispy coating made from cornflakes provides a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s a simple, healthier alternative to fried chicken, baked to golden perfection with minimal mess. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that will please even the pickiest eaters!

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

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

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set up a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or vegetable oil to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Prepare the Chicken: Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, combine crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shake off excess, then into the eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned cornflakes, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred level of spice.
Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece while it’s still hot.
Serve: Let the chicken cool slightly before serving. Pair with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free cereal or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Extra Spicy: Add more hot sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat in the glaze.
Herbed Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breading mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can increase the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or add some cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare and bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Apply the glaze right before serving.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before baking. Just ensure you wrap it tightly, and bake from frozen when ready, adding extra time.

Can I use a different cereal instead of cornflakes?

Yes, you can substitute crushed breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed crackers for the cornflakes.

What sides go well with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I use a different sauce for the glaze?

If you prefer, you can experiment with other sweet and spicy sauces like sriracha honey or BBQ sauce mixed with hot sauce.

How crispy will this chicken be?

This chicken should be quite crispy thanks to the cornflakes. However, it’s crucial to bake it on a wire rack for the best results.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for darker meat.

Conclusion

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that delivers crispy, tender chicken with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s simple to prepare, healthier than deep-fried alternatives, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, crunchy, and flavorful meal.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a healthy twist on a classic favorite with crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a flavorful cornflake breading. Drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, it combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Baked instead of fried, it’s a guilt-free option that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for families, meal prep, or when you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful dish!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a wire rack on a baking sheet.
Prepare the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned crushed cornflakes.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the cornflake mixture, pressing to ensure it sticks.
Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken on the wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Glaze: While baking, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
Glaze the Chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze over the chicken while it’s still hot.
Serve: Let the chicken cool slightly before serving. Pair with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or salad.

Notes

Adjust hot sauce to taste for desired spice level.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead of cornflakes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American