Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

If you crave the ultimate balance of crunchy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken will become your new addiction. We’re talking tender chicken wrapped in a golden-crunchy cornflake crust, then finished with a sticky drizzle of hot honey that wakes up your tastebuds in the best way possible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is its short ingredient list—each one is totally essential for that crave-worthy taste. These pantry staples combine to create flavor, texture, and vibrant color you just can’t resist.

• Chicken Tenders or Breasts (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs): Tenders work beautifully for even cooking, but sliced chicken breasts are perfect if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salt & Pepper: The absolute foundations for seasoning, ensuring every bite is well-flavored from the inside out.
• Flour (1/2 cup): Provides the first sticky layer, so your crust clings to the chicken and bakes up extra crispy.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (1/2 tsp each): Add savory depth and that classic comfort-food aroma.
• Eggs (2 large): Act as the “glue” that holds your crunchy coating together.
• Cornflakes (5 cups): The secret to the crispiest, crunchiest chicken you’ll ever taste. Crush them coarsely for best results!
• Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): For a touch of gentle heat in the crust. Skip or add more, according to spice preference.
• Olive Oil: Just a drizzle boosts golden color and guarantees a craggy-crisp finish in the oven.
• Hot Honey: The star! Sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy, this is the irresistible drizzle that ties everything together.

Variations

The beauty of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is how effortlessly you can adjust it to suit your mood or pantry supplies. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is endlessly flexible and ready for your own twist.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free flour and use gluten-free cornflakes—no one will know the difference!
• Dial Up the Heat: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the eggs or double up the cayenne for extra spicy chicken.
• Cheesy Crunch: Stir a handful of finely grated parmesan right into the crushed cornflakes for a salty, umami punch.
• Oven-Fried or Pan-Fried: While oven-baked is the easiest, you can absolutely pan fry for an extra-crunchy, diner-style bite.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by gently patting your chicken tenders or slices dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—it removes surface moisture, helping the flour and coating layers cling perfectly for extra crunch. If you want to add a touch more flavor from the get-go, sprinkle the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper before dredging.

Step 2: Set Up Your Stations

Next, gather three shallow bowls. In the first, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—this seasoned flour is the key to locking in flavor. Crack two large eggs into the second bowl and whisk until smooth (add a splash of hot sauce if you like things spicy). For the third, crush your cornflakes in a zip-top bag until coarse, then pour them into the bowl and stir in cayenne pepper if using.

Step 3: Dredge, Dip, and Coat

Working with one piece at a time for best results, dredge the chicken in seasoned flour, turning to coat all sides. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the cornflakes—really pack them on to create a thick, crunchy shield.

Step 4: Oven-Bake Until Crispy

Arrange your coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or set them on a wire rack over a sheet for air circulation and even browning. Drizzle or brush with olive oil. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is deeply golden and the interior reaches 165°F. If they need more crunch, pop under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Finish With Hot Honey

While they’re still piping hot from the oven, drizzle the tenders generously with hot honey—let it soak just a bit into the crisp coating. This final step transforms your crispy chicken into the spicy-sweet masterpiece you’ll want to make on repeat. Serve immediately for ultimate crunch!

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Garnishes

For a pop of color and extra flavor, sprinkle your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken with fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or even a scattering of chopped chives. For a Southern touch, a pinch of flaky salt on top is absolute perfection—don’t skip!

Side Dishes

This dish is a chameleon—amazing with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, sweet potato fries, or warm buttermilk biscuits. For a lighter touch, try a crisp green salad or classic roasted vegetables to balance all that bold flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide these golden tenders into soft rolls for the world’s best sliders, chop and tuck into tacos or grain bowls, or pile high on a platter as party-ready finger food. Crispy Hot Honey Chicken also makes an epic topping for loaded salads or a comfort-food wrap—get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Hot Honey Chicken keeps beautifully! Let any extra pieces cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the tenders without honey drizzled on top for maximum leftover crunch.

Freezing

Cooled, undrizzled chicken tenders freeze very well. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven to bring back their crispy magic.

Reheating

To revive every bit of crunch, reheat Crispy Hot Honey Chicken in a 400°F oven or air fryer for several minutes until piping hot and crisp. Add your hot honey drizzle after reheating for the best texture and freshest flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Grab your favorite hot honey and get ready for the most unforgettable chicken ever—every bite of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is bold, golden, and totally irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this in your own kitchen and share it with everyone you love!

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