Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Tender chicken, coated in a golden cornflake crust and finished with a warm drizzle of hot honey, delivers that perfect crunch with every bite. It’s weeknight-friendly, party-worthy, and adored by everyone who tries it—even picky eaters dive right in!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish relies on a handful of classic ingredients—each one plays a starring role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken so special. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re already halfway to dinner bliss!

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts (1½ to 1¾ lbs): Tenders are perfectly portioned and ultra-juicy, but sliced chicken breasts work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salt & Pepper: The essentials! These seasonings ensure every layer of your chicken is deeply flavorful, not bland.
• Flour (½ cup): A light dusting helps the coating stick and gives the chicken that classic, hearty exterior.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (½ tsp each): These add a savory depth that makes each bite pop with flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): They’re the magic that binds everything together, holding all those crunchy cornflakes firmly in place.
• Cornflakes (5 cups): The not-so-secret ingredient! Crushing them gives unbeatable crunch and a gorgeous golden color.
• Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, optional): For that irresistible, subtle heat lurking in every crispy bite.
• Olive Oil: Just a quick drizzle ensures golden, perfectly crisped chicken fresh from the oven.
• Hot Honey: Sweet with a hint of spice, this finishing drizzle turns crispy chicken into a sticky, gorgeous dream.

Variations

One of the best things about Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative—simple swaps keep things exciting and make this recipe friendly for any crowd or dietary preference!

• Spice Lovers’ Extra Kick: Up the cayenne, add a dash of smoked paprika, or mix hot sauce into the eggs for even more heat.
• Cheesy Crunch: Stir ¼ cup of grated parmesan into the crushed cornflakes for extra savory oomph and richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cornflakes and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend so everyone can enjoy the crunch.
• Classic Frying Method: Instead of baking, shallow-fry the coated chicken in a skillet with hot oil for even more indulgent crispiness.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start things off by patting your chicken completely dry with paper towels. Trust me, this little move is key—removing extra moisture ensures the coating clings beautifully and crisps up to golden perfection. Lay the chicken on a plate and get ready to set up your dredging station.

Step 2: Create Your Dredging Stations

Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—it’s this seasoned flour that starts the flavor party. The second bowl gets your whisked eggs (add a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy). In the third, crush your cornflakes (place them in a zip-top bag and give them a good bash with a rolling pin) and mix in the cayenne if desired. Organized stations make coating a breeze and keep the mess at minimum.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Lightly season your chicken with salt and pepper, if you like. Working with one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the seasoned flour (tap off the excess), then the egg mixture, and finally press each tender firmly into the crushed cornflakes. Take your time pressing those flakes on—this step is your guarantee for that famously thick, satisfying crunch!

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Arrange the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or set a wire rack over the pan for extra airflow and even crisping). Drizzle everything lightly with olive oil for irresistible golden edges. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully crisp. Craving even more crunch? Broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

As soon as your tenders come out of the oven, shower them generously with hot honey. The glaze melts ever-so-slightly into the nooks and crannies, creating glossy, golden, irresistible Crispy Hot Honey Chicken ready for dipping, stacking, or devouring right off the tray!

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

Give your platter a fresh lift with a generous shower of finely chopped parsley, thinly sliced green onion, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For an extra pop, a zesty squeeze of lemon or lime over the finished Crispy Hot Honey Chicken adds brightness and brings all the sweet-heat flavors to life.

Side Dishes

This chicken loves classic sides: serve it up with creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh arugula salad for a satisfying meal. Or, bring out the dippers—ranch, blue cheese, and honey mustard (homemade or store-bought) all pair beautifully with that crispy, spicy-sweet exterior.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the tenders on fluffy brioche buns with crunchy pickles and slaw for an unforgettable chicken sandwich, or slice them over waffles for a playful, Southern-inspired brunch twist. For parties, cut the tenders into nuggets and skewer them for crowd-pleasing chicken bites—perfect for dipping and sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait to drizzle on the hot honey until just before serving, so the coating stays nice and crisp.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the fully cooked, un-drizzled chicken tenders. Let them cool, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Warm in the oven until hot and crispy, then add the hot honey for that signature flavor burst.

Reheating

To revive that beloved crunch, reheat the tenders in a 375°F oven (or air fryer) for 7–10 minutes, or until heated through and crisped up. Resist the microwave—it’ll soften the coating. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of something irresistibly crunchy with a sweet, fiery twist, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is the answer. Bake it, drizzle it, share it, and watch as every plate comes back clean—this recipe is pure comfort and a real crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking, friend!

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