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

If you’re craving a dish that’s both crispy and packed with a sweet-spicy punch, you’ve got to try this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect combo of crunchy coating and sticky hot honey glaze that’ll have you coming back for seconds — trust me, I can’t stop! Plus, baked means less mess and guilt, which is always a win in my book.

This recipe shines when you’re looking for a weeknight winner that feels a little fancy but comes together without fuss. I love serving it up when friends come over because it’s colorful, flavorful, and pairs well with just about anything. If you want a dish that’s impressive yet doable, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe might just be your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from combining crunchy cornflakes with bold spices, plus that knockout finishing touch of hot honey. When shopping, opt for gluten-free cornflakes if that’s your jam, and quality hot sauce – it makes all the difference in flavor!

Cornflakes: Use plain or gluten-free cornflakes for a satisfyingly crunchy crust that bakes up golden.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a subtle saltiness that balances the sweet honey glaze.
Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that deepens the flavor complexity.
Onion powder: Provides gentle savoriness without overpowering the other spices.
Garlic powder: Offers classic aromatic depth with every bite.
Large eggs: Acts as the perfect binder for the coating to cling to the chicken.
Hot sauce: I use my favorite spicy brand here – adds that pepper kick both in the marinade and finishing sauce.
Chicken breast tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay juicy — I love this cut for effortless weeknight cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle on top helps the crust crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Honey: The sweet base for the glaze that pairs insanely well with heat.
Cayenne pepper and chipotle chili powder: Team up for that smoky, fiery edge in the sauce.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially in the hot honey glaze.
Fresh herbs (thyme, cilantro, or parsley): Use as a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten up the dish.

Variations

One of the best things about this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is — you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. I often customize the heat level or swap herbs depending on what I have on hand.

Make it milder: I dial down the cayenne and hot sauce if I’m serving kids or those who shy away from heat — the honey sweetness still shines through beautifully.
Gluten-free version: Using gluten-free cornflakes worked great last time I cooked for a friend with sensitivities — still that satisfying crunch!
Herb swap: Sometimes I love fresh basil instead of cilantro for a different herbaceous twist, especially in summer.
Spicy extra: For a seriously fiery kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes directly into the breadcrumb mixture — it gives a nice surprise crunch with each bite.
Make it smoky BBQ: Swap chipotle chili powder for smoked black pepper or BBQ seasoning for a Southern-inspired spin.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Crunchy Coating

First, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps everything tidy and prevents sticking. Then, toss your cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Pulse until everything’s into fine crumbs but still has a bit of texture. No processor? No worries! Just pop them into a ziplock and gently crush by stepping on the bag. This coating is the heart of the crunch, so take your time here.

Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, beat your eggs and stir in the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat well — this makes sure every piece picks up that spicy kick. Now dredge each piece through the crunchy crumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. For an extra thick and crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the egg and crumbs for a second coat. Lay them on your baking sheet and finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil. This little drizzle uses the oil’s magic to get it perfectly crispy without frying.

Step 3: Bake to Crunch Perfection

Pop the tray in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp all around. Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn — ovens vary! When I bake this, I like to flip the chicken halfway through to help everything brown evenly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

While the chicken’s baking, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Stir gently until the flavors marry and it’s warm and fluid — but not boiling! This blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky is what takes this recipe from great to unforgettable. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, a quick zap in the microwave for 5 seconds loosens it right up.

Step 5: Serve It Up Hot and Saucy

Once the chicken’s golden and cooked through, drizzle generously with the hot honey glaze. Scatter fresh herbs over the top for color and freshness. Then, dig in and enjoy the symphony of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors!

How to Serve Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

The image shows several pieces of crispy, golden brown fried chicken placed on a baking sheet with dark burnt spots and oil stains, highlighting the crunchy texture of the chicken coating. Each piece has a rough, crumbly surface with small flaky bits sticking out, and the colors range from deep amber to lighter golden hues. The pieces vary slightly in size and shape, spread out on the sheet to show their crunchy crusts clearly. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh cilantro or parsley — their brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra parmesan or even some sesame seeds for added texture and that little extra wow factor. If you’re serving for guests, adding a wedge of lime on the side brightens everything further with a squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted sweet potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes to balance the heat. One of my favorite combos is garlic butter green beans and a cool cucumber salad — it keeps the meal light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, I’ve served the chicken bite-sized with toothpicks, drizzled with hot honey right before guests arrive. You can also plate the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa and drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern for that Instagram-worthy finishing touch. Adding edible flowers or extra herb sprigs instantly elevates the look for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken separate from the glaze helps maintain that crispy crust until reheating. When I’m ready to eat, I drizzle the hot honey fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prep in advance! I flash freeze the coated chicken pieces on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat without losing crunch, I pop leftovers in a preheated toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as much as possible, but if you do, just zap briefly and then crisp up under the broiler for a minute or two. Add the hot honey glaze fresh after reheating for that lip-smacking finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll take a little longer to bake but add extra flavor and tenderness. Just keep an eye on the bake time and ensure the coating crisps up nicely.
How spicy is the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is customizable. The hot sauce and cayenne add a nice kick, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of honey. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the hot sauce and cayenne amounts. For heat lovers, you can add more cayenne or even some red chili flakes for a fiery punch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular cornflakes for gluten-free cornflakes, which are widely available. Make sure to check the labels on other ingredients like hot sauce and parmesan to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Since the chicken is baked, it’s already lighter than fried versions. You can reduce the olive oil drizzle slightly and use raw honey instead of processed. Pairing with plenty of veggies or a side salad also boosts the nutritional balance of the meal.
What should I serve with this chicken?

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken goes wonderfully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, salads, or even a simple rice pilaf. I especially love pairing it with light, crisp sides to complement the rich and spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to whip up. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners and casual get-togethers, and it never fails to impress with that perfect crunchy, spicy, and sweet combination. I really hope you give it a try — once you do, it might just become one of your favorite comfort foods too!