Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken recipe offers tender chicken tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet and spicy drizzle of hot honey. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 large Eggs
- 5 cups Cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Olive Oil (for drizzling or spraying)
- Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken to a crispy, golden finish.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the coating stick better and results in crispier chicken.
- Step 3: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using; one with beaten eggs; and one with the crushed cornflakes.
- Step 4: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the crushed cornflakes until fully coated.
- Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a lightly oiled baking sheet or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Drizzle or spray a little olive oil over the tenders to aid crisping.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Step 7: Once cooked and crispy, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle generously with hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, ideally with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping to balance the flavors and add creaminess.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the crushed cornflakes.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it to control the spice level.
- Try substituting hot honey with a mix of regular honey and a few drops of hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders are unavailable.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the cornflakes are gluten-free. This will keep the coating crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
What is the best way to make the chicken extra crispy?
Patting the chicken dry before coating and using a light drizzle or spray of olive oil before baking helps create an extra crispy crust. Baking on a wire rack also allows air to circulate around the chicken for even crisping.
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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy, golden-baked chicken tender recipe coated with crushed cornflakes and finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish combines a flavorful seasoned flour crust and a sticky honey heat for a tantalizing bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Coating
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 5 cups Cornflakes, crushed
- 2 large Eggs
Other
- Olive Oil (for drizzling or spraying)
- Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken tenders crispy and golden.
- Prepare the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps the coating stick better and results in crispier chicken.
- Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using), one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed cornflakes for coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the crushed cornflakes until fully coated for a crunchy crust.
- Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders on a lightly oiled baking sheet or a wire rack on a sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Once cooked and crispy, transfer the tenders to a serving plate and drizzle generously with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy kick.
- Serve: Serve the hot honey chicken immediately with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping to complement the flavors and add creaminess.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack placed on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken tenders.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper and use mild hot honey or regular honey.
- To save time, use pre-crushed cornflakes or crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts cut into tender-sized strips as a substitution for chicken tenders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, hot honey chicken, baked chicken recipe, crunchy chicken, easy dinner, spicy honey chicken
