Hot Honey Chicken – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Perfection!

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Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, crunchy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. It’s a mouthwatering dish that delivers bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or even a special family meal. If you love the contrast of sweet heat with a crispy texture, this is the recipe for you!

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken

  • Crispy and Crunchy – The cornflake breading creates an incredibly crunchy texture without deep frying.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The hot honey sauce brings the right amount of sweetness and spice.
  • Baked, Not Fried – Enjoy all the crispiness with less oil and fewer calories.
  • Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry!
  • Versatile – Serve it on its own, with sides, in sandwiches, or even chopped over a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nonstick cooking spray

For the Flour Mixture:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

For the Egg Mixture:

  • 3 large eggs, well-whisked
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

For the Breading Mixture:

  • 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Components

  1. Crush the cornflakes using a food processor, rolling pin, or by hand.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls:
    • One with the flour and brown sugar mixed together.
    • Another with the whisked eggs and hot sauce.
    • The third with the crushed cornflakes, paprika, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces.
  2. Use a meat mallet to pound each piece to an even ½-inch thickness.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  2. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
  3. Press into the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  3. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Bake for 15-16 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine all hot honey sauce ingredients.
  2. Once the butter has melted, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken pieces.
  2. Serve any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Best Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken

  • Use Fresh Chicken – Fresh, high-quality chicken will yield the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Spread out the chicken on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust the Heat Level – Increase or decrease the cayenne and hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Make It Gluten-Free – Swap out the flour for gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free cornflakes.
  • Try Air Frying – Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken

1. Can I make Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep the crispiness.

2. How spicy is Hot Honey Chicken?

It has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the cayenne, hot sauce, and chili powder to your taste.

3. What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?

It pairs well with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cornbread, or a fresh side salad.

4. Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes! Fry in 375°F oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. How long does the hot honey sauce last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before using.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy, making it a dish that stands out at any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a game-day feast, this baked, crunchy chicken with a sticky hot honey glaze is guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try this Hot Honey Chicken recipe today, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

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