Ingredients
Crust
- 6 cups cornflakes (gluten free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt, a pinch
Chicken Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Sea salt, a pinch
Garnish
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine cornflakes, grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until the mixture forms fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them by stepping on the bag until finely crushed. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Add the chicken breast tenderloins and toss well to evenly coat each piece with the egg mixture.
- Coat Chicken with Crust: Dredge each chicken tenderloin through the crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage. For an extra-thick crust, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then into the crumbs a second time. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the chicken to help with browning and crisping.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crisp all around, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine honey, 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper (adjust 1 to 3 teaspoons depending on your heat preference), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the pieces. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a fresh herbal note. If the sauce thickens too much, warm it briefly in the microwave before drizzling.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated and spaced on the baking sheet.
- Be careful not to overbake to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a fresh flavor contrast to the spicy sauce.
- The sauce can be prepared a little in advance and reheated if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free