Name: Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cornflakes cereal (gluten free if needed); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Sea salt, to taste; 2 large eggs, well beaten; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 lb chicken breast tenders; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; 1/2 cup honey; 2 to 3 tbsp hot sauce; 1 to 3 tsp cayenne pepper; 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Sea salt, as needed; Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

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Introduction

This Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken combines a crispy, flavorful coating with a spicy-sweet glaze for an irresistible dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, it offers a delicious balance of heat and honeyed goodness.

A close-up image of a crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken nugget held by a stainless steel spatula, with a shiny, textured, crunchy outer layer glistening slightly with oil. A small sprig of green thyme lies on top of the nugget, adding a touch of freshness. The background shows more similar nuggets resting on a cooked surface with a golden-brown crust. The whole scene is detailed and vivid, with a focus on the crunchy texture and warm colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups cornflakes cereal (gluten free if needed)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt, to taste
2 large eggs, well beaten
2 tbsp hot sauce
2 lb chicken breast tenders
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 cup honey
2 to 3 tbsp hot sauce
1 to 3 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Sea salt, as needed
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush the ingredients in a ziplock bag by stepping on it. Transfer crumbs to a shallow bowl.
Step 2: In a bowl, beat the eggs well, then add 2 tablespoons hot sauce and mix. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Dredge each tender in the cornflake crumb mixture, ensuring full coverage. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and crumbs. Place on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken to help crisp them during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
Step 4: While chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by warming honey, 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper (to taste), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small pot over low heat. Stir until combined and heated through. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a quick 5-second microwave spin.
Step 5: Once chicken is done, drizzle warm spicy honey sauce evenly over the tenders. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for brightness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a thicker coating, double-dip the chicken in egg and crumbs before baking.
Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts to control spiciness according to your preference.
Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Fresh herbs like cilantro add a fresh contrast to the spicy-sweet flavors—try swapping herbs based on what you have.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent sogginess. The hot honey sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week and warmed before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a golden-brown, crispy fried piece of chicken held by a shiny metal spatula, showing a crunchy texture with small, crunchy crumbs all over. The top of the chicken is drizzled with a glossy reddish-orange sauce and garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs. In the background, more pieces of similar fried chicken sit on a lightly oiled baking tray, with tiny scattered crumbs around, all against a white marbled texture. The photo has a warm, inviting look, emphasizing the crispy coating and fresh herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast tenders?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer extra juiciness. Adjust baking time to ensure thighs are fully cooked, typically around 25-30 minutes.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in both the coating and sauce. You can also omit the cayenne entirely for a milder flavor while keeping the honey sweetness.