Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets are a sweet, spicy, and crispy delight that’s perfect for a fun and satisfying meal or snack! Imagine tender chicken nuggets coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, drizzled with a fiery hot honey sauce, and topped with a creamy spicy honey mayo. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a flavorful and unique twist on classic chicken nuggets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of crispy cornflakes, juicy chicken, and a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce creates a delicious and satisfying flavor experience.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The air fryer makes cooking the chicken nuggets a breeze.
• Versatile: You can customize the heat level of the hot honey sauce by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also serve these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy chicken nuggets with a flavorful twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even coating.
• Cornflakes: Crushed into small pieces to create a crispy coating.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken and cornflake mixture.
• Eggs: Whisked with hot honey to create an egg wash that helps the cornflakes adhere to the chicken.
• Hot honey: Adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the egg wash and the sauce.

Sauce

• Hot honey: The base of the sweet and spicy sauce.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch to the sauce.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an extra kick of heat to the sauce.

Spicy Honey Mayo

• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Hot honey: Adds sweetness and spice to the mayo.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick and a hint of garlic flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Coating

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or spray it with nonstick spray. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large ziplock bag or a food processor, crush the cornflakes into small pieces. Pour the crushed cornflakes into a bowl and mix in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot honey.

Step 2: Coat and Air Fry the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce and Spicy Mayo

While the chicken nuggets are air-frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken nuggets and toss to coat evenly. Drizzle the spicy honey mayo over the top and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use boneless, skinless thighs: For even more flavorful chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey or cayenne pepper in the sauce to your liking.
• Make ahead: You can coat the chicken nuggets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
• Double the sauce: If you like extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

How to Serve

These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or ketchup.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken nuggets.
• Rice or Potatoes: Serve with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken nuggets and sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken nuggets gently in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken nuggets instead of air frying them?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken nuggets for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Can I use a different type of breading?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite breading, such as panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels.

3. Can I make this recipe without the hot honey?

Yes, you can! The hot honey adds a delicious sweet and spicy flavor, but the chicken nuggets are still delicious with just the seasonings.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken or sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and customizable spice level, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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