Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you dream about bite-sized chicken that’s shatteringly crisp, juicy on the inside, and blanketed with a sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze, my Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is going to be your new obsession! Each crunchy, golden piece is pure comfort—you won’t believe it’s baked, not fried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is how a handful of staple ingredients create pure magic. Each item does a little heavy lifting—flavor, crunch, juiciness, color—so don’t skip a thing! Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it belongs in the bowl.

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: These are the stars—tenders are quickest, but sliced chicken breasts work perfectly and stay juicy inside that crisp shell.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning wakes up every bite, flavoring both the coating and the chicken itself.
• Flour: The essential base for the dredge, helping all those seasonings stick and creating the first layer of crunch.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Trust me, these add a savory depth and mouthwatering, almost “secret” flavor to the crunchy crust.
• Eggs: Eggs act like edible glue—making sure cornflakes cling for maximum crunch.
• Cornflakes: The game-changer! Crushing these into chunky crumbs creates that incredible, light, crispy chicken breading.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): For spice lovers: a dash in the crumb mix makes everything pop. Skip or scale up as you wish!
• Olive Oil: A drizzle before baking gives beautiful browning and that signature “fried” look—without the mess.
• Hot Honey: This is the star finish! Sweet, spicy, and sticky…it’s what sets this chicken apart from any other crispy chicken you’ve tasted.

Variations

One of the best things about this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is how easy it is to get creative. Whether you need to adjust the heat, feed a crowd, or work with what’s in your pantry, there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Here are some delicious spins for every craving or occasion!

• Herby Parmesan Variation: Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried Italian herbs to the cornflake crumbs for a cheesy, savory kick.
• Extra Spicy: Toss a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the egg mixture, or double up on the cayenne for a true firecracker crust.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and double check that your cornflakes are certified GF—they work beautifully!
• Bite-Sized Nuggets: Cube chicken breasts and make party-ready nuggets for dunking—kids absolutely love them!

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders or breast strips dry with paper towels—this one simple step is key to making the coating stick beautifully and keeps everything crispy while baking. No soggy spots allowed!

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, combine your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—this makes a seasoned foundation layer. In the second, whisk your eggs (add a splash of hot sauce if you want extra zing!). For the third, crush your cornflakes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin—they should be chunky, not powdery—then toss in the cayenne if desired.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip your chicken pieces into the seasoned flour first, making sure every side is covered. Shake off excess, then dunk them in the beaten egg to coat completely. Finally, press each piece firmly into the crushed cornflakes, really packing them on so you get a thick, satisfying coating all over.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange your coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or even better, on a wire rack over a sheet for airflow). Drizzle each piece with a bit of olive oil for the prettiest golden crust. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once—when they’re golden and the internal temp hits 165°F, you’re ready for the final (and best!) step.

Step 5: Finishing Touch—Hot Honey Heaven

The moment those tenders come out of the oven, drizzle them with plenty of hot honey while they’re still sizzling. The glaze melts into all the crispy nooks, creating the signature sweet-spicy finish that makes this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken truly unforgettable.

Optional: Frying Method for Extra Crunch

If you’re craving maximum crunch, you can shallow fry the coated chicken pieces in about 1/2 inch of hot oil—just 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain well on paper towels before drizzling on the hot honey. It’s restaurant-level delicious!

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

For a beautiful (and tasty) finish, sprinkle your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. A teeny bit of flaky sea salt or extra chili flakes instantly makes the dish look restaurant-worthy and bumps up the flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken is a natural with cool, creamy dips—think homemade ranch or honey mustard. Pair with a crisp slaw, roasted veggies, or a pile of buttery mashed potatoes for pure comfort. For picnics, it’s amazing next to cornbread, pickles, or chilled pasta salad!

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking the tenders into toasted brioche buns with pickles for mind-blowing hot honey chicken sandwiches. They’re party perfection skewered on sticks for appetizers, or slice them up for topping salads, grain bowls, or wraps that pack a punch. The crisp honey glaze makes everything shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Crispy Hot Honey Chicken cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Lining the container with a sheet of paper towel helps absorb any moisture and keeps that irresistible crunch as long as possible.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze fully baked (but not yet sauced) chicken on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag, and store up to 2 months. Heat directly from frozen, then drizzle with hot honey just before eating for best results.

Reheating

For crispy results, reheat chilled or frozen chicken in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating. Add an extra swirl of hot honey once heated to bring back that signature sticky sheen!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to take that first crunchy, sticky, flavor-packed bite of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken. It’s everything you crave—comforting, bold, and so much fun to make and share. Drop me a note when you try it, and let the sweet-spicy joy begin!

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