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Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 30 reviews

This Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a flavorful, crunchy cornflake and parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection. A spicy-sweet hot honey sauce with cayenne, chipotle, and classic seasonings elevates the dish, making it perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or snack with a kick.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Coating

  • 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
  • Pinch of sea salt

Chicken

  • 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
  • Pinch of sea salt

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Make the Coating Crumbs: In a food processor, pulse the cornflakes, grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt until you achieve fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them by stepping on them. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.
  3. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the eggs and stir in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Add the chicken breast tenderloins and toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly in the egg mixture. Then dredge each piece through the cornflake crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating. For a thicker, crunchier crust, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then again into the crumbs. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added crispness.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating is crisp and golden all around and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the honey, 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper (adjust amount between 1 to 3 teaspoons depending on heat preference), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat until it is well combined and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken pieces. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a fresh, herby finish. If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, briefly warm it in the microwave for about 5 seconds to loosen.

Notes

  • You can use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • For extra crispiness, you can spray the chicken with a little cooking spray before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/crunchy-hot-honey-chicken-recipe/