Name: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cornflakes, crushed; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1½ lbs chicken breast tenderloins; Olive oil or olive oil spray; Hot Honey Glaze:; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder; Pinch of garlic powder; Pinch of onion powder; Dash of hot sauce; Optional Garnish:; Sea salt; Chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the kind of dish I crave when I want something crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor—without the hassle of deep frying. It starts with tender chicken coated in a golden, crunchy cornflake crust, baked to perfection, then drizzled in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. It’s everything I love about fried chicken, made lighter and easier in the oven.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this chicken gets perfectly crispy without needing a single drop of oil for frying. The crushed cornflakes create an irresistible crunch, and the hot honey drizzle adds the perfect mix of heat and sweetness. It’s a fun upgrade from regular baked chicken and always a hit whether I’m serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a party. Plus, the whole thing comes together in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cornflakes, crushed
Grated Parmesan cheese
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Eggs
Hot sauce
Chicken breast tenderloins
Olive oil (or olive oil spray)
Honey
Cayenne pepper
Chipotle chili powder
Salt
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I crush the cornflakes in a food processor or bag, then stir in Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a separate bowl, I whisk the eggs with a splash of hot sauce.
I dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it well in the cornflake mixture. I press the coating on so it sticks.
I arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet and lightly drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil.
I bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until the outside is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
While it’s baking, I make the hot honey by warming the honey in a saucepan with cayenne, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of hot sauce. I stir it until warm and smooth—no need to boil.
When the chicken is done, I drizzle the hot honey over the top, sprinkle with sea salt and herbs if I’m using them, and serve it up right away.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep takes around 15 minutes, and bake time is 20–25 minutes, so I usually have it ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option—just adjust the baking time a little longer.
If I want it extra spicy, I double the cayenne in the honey or add a splash of sriracha.
For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free cornflakes and make sure all seasonings are gluten-free.
I’ve also tried it with a drizzle of maple syrup mixed with hot sauce instead of honey for a twist.
If I’m short on time, I skip the homemade hot honey and use a bottled version—it still tastes amazing.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, I reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving works, but it softens the coating. I store the hot honey separately and drizzle it fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prep and bread the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it until ready to bake. It makes weeknight cooking faster.

What if I don’t have cornflakes?

Panko breadcrumbs are a good substitute. The crunch is slightly different, but still delicious.

Is this recipe really spicy?

It has a kick, but I can easily adjust the heat by reducing the cayenne or using a milder hot sauce.

Can I air fry this?

Absolutely. I air fry the chicken at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

What should I serve with it?

I like pairing this with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is one of my favorite ways to turn basic chicken into something unforgettable. It’s got bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself, this dish never lets me down—and it always gets devoured.