Craving a crispy, golden-brown chicken with a perfect balance of sweet heat? This baked crunchy hot honey chicken is a game-changer! With a crunchy cornflake coating and a deliciously sticky hot honey glaze, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re searching for honey chicken crispers, crunchy honey chicken, or a hot honey cornflake chicken, this dish is the perfect way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal without deep frying. Plus, it’s oven-baked, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
This recipe is great for a quick dinner idea for 3 adults, a family meal, or even a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. If you love easy Half Baked Harvest recipes, then this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
✔ Crispy Without Frying: The oven does all the work, giving you a crunchy texture without the mess of deep frying.
✔ Perfect Sweet & Spicy Balance: The hot honey glaze adds just the right kick with a touch of sweetness.
✔ Family-Friendly Dinner Idea: Adjust the spice level to make it perfect for both kids and adults.
✔ Made with Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your kitchen!
✔ Customizable & Versatile: Swap out the breading, spices, or honey glaze for a new twist every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this hot honey cornflake chicken, you’ll need these ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or whole)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for extra tenderness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Crunchy Coating
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or substitute with crushed pretzels for a crunchier texture)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Essential Kitchen Equipment
✔ Baking sheet with wire rack – Helps air circulate for even crisping.
✔ Shallow bowls – For dredging the chicken in the coating.
✔ Small saucepan – To prepare the hot honey glaze.
✔ Tongs – Makes it easy to flip and coat the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the cornflake mixture. Press down gently to ensure an even, crispy layer.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil spray (this helps with browning).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Stir and let it warm until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey glaze over each piece.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy goodness!
Pro Tips for the Best Crunchy Honey Chicken
✔ Marinate for maximum tenderness: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk keeps it juicy.
✔ Press the coating firmly: This ensures an even, crispy crust that sticks to the chicken.
✔ Don’t skip the wire rack: It allows airflow, preventing soggy bottoms.
✔ For extra crunch: Use crushed pretzels instead of cornflakes.
✔ Adjust the spice level: Reduce or increase the hot sauce and cayenne to suit your taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try a different coating: Swap cornflakes for pretzels, crushed crackers, or seasoned panko.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
- Use a different protein: This method works great with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken
This honey crunch chicken pairs well with:
✔ Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans)
✔ Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal
✔ A fresh coleslaw or side salad with a tangy dressing
✔ Buttery cornbread or biscuits for extra comfort
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
To Store:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Air fryer: Heat at 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended as it softens the coating.
To Freeze:
- Place baked, unglazed chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven and add hot honey glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this without the hot honey?
Yes! Simply skip the hot sauce or replace it with maple syrup for a milder sweet glaze.
2. How do I make this extra spicy?
Increase the cayenne pepper in the coating and add more hot sauce to the glaze.
3. Can I air fry this chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Bake bone-in pieces for 35-40 minutes at 400°F.
Final Thoughts: Try This Easy & Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Today!
This baked crunchy hot honey chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy. It’s an easy, healthier alternative to fried chicken, making it a great dinner idea for 3 adults or even a family feast. Whether you’re craving honey garlic chicken, honey crusted chicken, or crunchy Half Baked Harvest pretzel chicken, this recipe will satisfy your cravings.
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more easy Half Baked Harvest recipes like this! Let us know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking! 😊
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken : The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Crispy Delight!
Craving a crispy, golden-brown chicken with a perfect balance of sweet heat?
- ½ cup honey
- tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- tablespoon butter
- teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- To make this hot honey cornflake chicken (you’ll need these ingredients:)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or whole))
- 1 cup buttermilk (for extra tenderness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Crunchy Coating
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or substitute with crushed pretzels for a crunchier texture)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
- Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the cornflake mixture. Press down gently to ensure an even, crispy layer.
- Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil spray (this helps with browning).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Stir and let it warm until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey glaze over each piece.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy goodness!
✔ Marinate for maximum tenderness: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk keeps it juicy.
✔ Press the coating firmly: This ensures an even, crispy crust that sticks to the chicken.
✔ Don’t skip the wire rack: It allows airflow, preventing soggy bottoms.