Go Back
Adam

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken – Crunchy, Sweet & Spicy Comfort Food!

If you love crispy fried chicken but want something easier, lighter, and bursting with bold flavor, this Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender chicken breast coated in a super crunchy cornflake crust, baked until golden perfection, then drizzled with a dreamy hot honey glaze that’s sticky, spicy, and slightly sweet. This recipe gives you the perfect balance of: ✨ Crunch ✨ Heat ✨ Sweetness ✨ Juicy tenderness All without deep frying. It’s fast, easy, family-friendly, and unbelievably delicious!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Coating
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp seasoning mix your favorite
  • ½ tbsp cooking spray for crisping
Hot Honey Glaze
  • ½ cup honey
  • 4 tbsp hot sauce
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack (optional but makes extra crispy)
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Shallow dish for coating
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1 — Prep the Chicken
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice chicken breasts into thick strips or keep whole.
  3. Pat dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.
Step 2 — Set Up the Coating Station
  1. Prepare three bowls:
  2. Bowl 1: Flour + salt + pepper + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + seasoning mix.
  3. Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
  4. Bowl 3: Crushed cornflakes.
Step 3 — Coat the Chicken
  1. Dredge each chicken piece into flour.
  2. Dip into egg.
  3. Press firmly into cornflakes, coating well on all sides.
  4. Place on a baking sheet (use a wire rack for extra crispiness).
  5. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 4 — Bake
  1. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22–28 minutes, depending on thickness.
  2. Chicken should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5 — Make the Hot Honey Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and glossy.
Step 6 — Finishing Touch
  1. Drizzle hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken…
  2. OR
  3. Toss the chicken lightly in the sauce for full coverage.
  4. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 min to keep it crispy.
Air fryer: 5–6 minutes.
Avoid microwave (makes coating soft).
Freezer
Freeze breaded chicken before baking for up to 2 months.
🥄 Variations
✨ Extra spicy: Add chili flakes to the glaze.
✨ Milder: Reduce hot sauce or add more honey.
✨ Crunchier: Mix panko with cornflakes.
✨ Gluten-free: Use GF flour and GF cornflakes.
✨ Air fryer version: 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes—thighs stay very juicy.
Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes, but baking keeps it healthier and still crispy.
Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar or honey.
Can I prep it ahead?
Bread chicken and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
Why cornflakes?
They give unbeatable crunch.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead?
Yes, but crunch will be softer.
What hot sauce is best?
Any brand—Frank’s is classic.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil.
How do I make it crispier?
Use a wire rack and spray lightly with oil.
Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely—drizzle extra on the side!
🏁 Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken brings the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and crunch—without any deep frying. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a weekly favorite. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies for the ultimate comfort meal.