Description
This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is crispy, tender, and packed with bold flavor—coated in a cornflake-parmesan crust and drizzled with a spicy-sweet homemade hot honey. A healthier twist on fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free, if needed), crushed
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons hot sauce
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2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
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Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Hot Honey:
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½ cup honey
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2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (to taste)
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¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Sea salt, to taste
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Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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Prepare the coating: In a food processor or large bag, crush cornflakes until coarse crumbs form. Combine crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
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In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce.
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Dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Lightly drizzle or mist the coated chicken with olive oil for better browning.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
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While the chicken bakes, make the hot honey: In a small saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over low heat. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with sea salt to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken just before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley.
Notes
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For extra crunch, don’t crush the cornflakes too finely.
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Adjust heat in the hot honey by changing cayenne and hot sauce levels.
- Great served with creamy slaw, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American