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Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken – Golden, Crunchy & Comfort-Food Perfect

Get ready to meet your new obsession: Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken. This dish delivers everything we love about comfort food—ultra-crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and a sticky-sweet heat that keeps you coming back for more. Best of all, it’s baked, not fried, so you get that satisfying crunch without the heavy oil. The magic happens with a cornflake crust that bakes up beautifully crisp, paired with a buttery hot honey glaze that balances sweetness, tang, and gentle spice. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or meal prep with attitude, this recipe hits all the right notes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crispy Chicken
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups cornflakes crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons seasoning mix all-purpose, non-spicy
  • Nonstick cooking spray
Hot Honey Sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • These ingredients create irresistibly crispy baked chicken finished with a glossy hot honey glaze that’s sweet tangy, and just spicy enough.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Food processor or zip-top bag (for cornflakes)
  • 3 shallow bowls (breading station)
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  3. If chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create even cutlets.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
  1. Bowl 1: Add flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning mix.
  2. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs until smooth.
  3. Bowl 3: Add crushed cornflakes.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
  1. Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Dip into beaten eggs, coating fully.
  3. Press firmly into crushed cornflakes until well coated.
  4. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.
  5. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
  1. Bake for 22–26 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. Chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, honey, and brown sugar.
  2. Stir until melted and smooth.
  3. Add hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder.
  4. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
  1. Brush hot honey sauce generously over baked chicken.
  2. Return to oven for 5 minutes to set the glaze.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juiciness.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible.
🥄 Variations
Extra Spicy: Add more hot sauce to the glaze.
Milder: Reduce hot sauce and vinegar slightly.
Crunch Boost: Add a tablespoon of oil to crushed cornflakes.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 14–16 minutes, flipping once.
Meal Prep: Store sauce separately and glaze after reheating.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this chicken very spicy?
No—it’s sweet first, with a warm heat finish.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great.
Does baked chicken stay crispy?
Yes, the cornflake crust bakes beautifully.
Can I skip brown sugar?
It balances heat and acidity—recommended.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce hot sauce slightly.
Can I make it ahead?
Bake first, glaze when reheating.
Why cornflakes?
They create extra crunch without frying.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze unglazed baked chicken for best texture.
Does the sauce thicken?
Yes, it becomes glossy and sticky.
What sides go well?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken is everything comfort food should be—golden, crunchy, juicy, and finished with a bold sweet-heat glaze. It’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.