If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors all in one bite, then Baked Hot Honey Chicken is just the recipe you need to try! This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also brings a delightful twist to your dinner table that will impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the details of creating this mouthwatering meal!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Baked Hot Honey Chicken stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a perfect balance of flavors: the heat from the hot sauce and cayenne pepper is beautifully countered by the sweetness of honey and brown sugar. The cornflake coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the chicken remains tender and juicy thanks to the baking method. Additionally, this dish is healthier than traditional fried chicken, as it’s baked rather than deep-fried, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you head to the store, here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need for this delicious Baked Hot Honey Chicken:

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1-inch thickness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s Hot Sauce)
5 cups cornflakes (crushed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup honey
1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s Hot Sauce)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)

Before You Start: Equipment

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:

Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
Three shallow bowls (for breading)
Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
Whisk
Spatula
Mixing spoon

Stepwise Method: Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Season both sides of each piece with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and the tablespoon of hot sauce until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally press it into the cornflake mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Drizzle the olive oil over the breaded chicken pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is baking, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh thyme.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and watch everyone enjoy this incredible meal!

No-Store Runs Needed

If you find yourself short on an ingredient or two, here are some common substitutions you can make without needing to run to the store:

Brown sugar can be replaced with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
If you don’t have cornflakes, any other crunchy cereal or breadcrumbs can work as a substitute.
Olive oil can be swapped out for vegetable or canola oil.
You can omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.

Chef’s Notes

For an extra crispy coating, let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce according to your spice tolerance.
This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the coating for a personal touch!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

For meal prep enthusiasts, Baked Hot Honey Chicken is a fantastic option. Here are some tips:

Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispiness.
For long-term storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Consider preparing the hot honey sauce in advance and storing it separately for easy reheating later.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or use a milder hot sauce. The honey will still add sweetness, balancing out the flavors.

How can I make the coating gluten-free?

To make the coating gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular cornflakes.

Can I bake this chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken in batches for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and cooked through.

Hungry for More?

If you enjoyed this Baked Hot Honey Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delicious recipes on our blog, from savory sides to decadent desserts that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox!

With every bite of Baked Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, bringing a delightful twist to your weeknight dinners. Enjoy!