Go Back
Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Delicious Best Baked Hot Honey Chicken recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 2375 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crunchy coating:

  • 6 cups cornflakes cereal (gluten free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • sea salt, to taste

For the chicken:

  • 2 large eggs, well beaten
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 lb chicken breast tenders
  • extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the spicy honey sauce:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 to 3 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 to 3 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • sea salt, as needed

For garnish:

  • fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes cereal, grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can place the ingredients in a ziplock bag and crush them manually by stepping on the bag. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl for dredging.
  • In a bowl, beat the eggs well, then add 2 tablespoons hot sauce and mix to combine. Add the chicken breast tenders to the egg mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Dredge each coated chicken tender in the cornflake crumb mixture from Step 1, ensuring each piece is fully covered. For a thicker, crunchier coating, you can dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and dredge through the crumbs a second time. Place each coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the coated chicken tenders with a little extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy all around. I like to turn the tenders halfway through for extra even crunch.
  • Just before the chicken is finished baking, make the sauce by warming together the honey, 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level), 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small saucepot over low heat. Stir until the mixture is heated through and fully combined. If the sauce cools and thickens too much, you can loosen it with a quick 5-second spin in the microwave.
  • Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, drizzle the warm spicy honey sauce from Step 4 evenly over the tenders. Top with your choice of fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for a burst of freshness before serving. Enjoy while hot! For an extra flavor boost, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra fresh herb right at the table.