If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and crispy comfort, this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, golden-browned chicken coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, then generously drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that sings with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a sticky, flavorful glaze that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new favorite weeknight success story.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is surprisingly all it takes to create this extraordinary dish. Each component plays a unique role in building texture, depth, and flavor—from the crunchy cornflakes adding irresistible crispness to the spicy-sweet sauce that ties it all together.
- 3 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for slicing and crisping up.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of chicken.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the breading crisps up beautifully without sticking to the pan.
- ½ cup flour: Acts as the first breading layer to help the egg and crumb coating adhere well.
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness to balance the spicy sauce.
- 3 large eggs: Whisked well to create a rich binding layer for the breading.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Mixed into the egg wash for an extra hint of heat inside the coating.
- 5 cups cornflakes: Crushed to create the signature crispy, golden crust that makes this hot honey chicken special.
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the breading mix.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Provides a subtle kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon each: salt, pepper, cayenne pepper: These bring layers of seasoning and heat to the breading.
- ½ cup honey: The essential base for our hot honey sauce that brings luscious sweetness.
- ¼ cup hot sauce: I use Frank’s for a classic tangy heat which balances the honey.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce richness and a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar: Boosts the caramel notes in the sauce’s sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to cut through the richness.
- ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder: These spices build a complex, savory backbone for the sauce.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by crushing the cornflakes using your hands or a food processor—either way works perfectly. Having your flour mixture, egg wash with hot sauce, and breading mix ready in three separate shallow bowls will streamline the breading process beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Use a meat mallet to tenderize them to about half an inch thickness for even cooking and superior crispiness. Season well with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Coat each piece generously with the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring any excess drips off to prevent sogginess in the breading. Finally, press the chicken into the cornflake mixture thoroughly, giving extra attention to any bare spots by repeating the egg and crumb step if needed.
Step 4: Bake to Perfect Crispness
Place breaded chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet or, for the crispiest results, on oven-safe cooling racks placed on the sheet. Spray the tops with a little nonstick cooking spray before baking in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 to 16 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices in a small saucepan over low heat. Melt the butter first, then bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to keep warm and allow all flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 6: Dress and Serve
Once chicken is out of the oven, drizzle it generously with the warm hot honey sauce. Save some extra sauce for guests to dip their pieces in for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy in every bite.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley brighten this dish wonderfully and add a pop of color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions can also lend appealing texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair this crunchy, saucy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe with light sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. Rice or mashed potatoes also soak up the sauce beautifully if you want something more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the chicken on slider buns with lettuce and pickles for spicy-sweet chicken sliders. Or chop it up to toss in tacos topped with cabbage slaw and avocado slices, bringing a delicious fusion vibe to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hot Honey Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, though the crust may soften slightly.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save it for later. Wrap pieces individually or in single layers within freezer-safe containers, and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crispy crust, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for more juicy meat, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Boneless, skinless breasts are preferred for even cooking and easy slicing.
Is the hot honey sauce very spicy?
The sauce balances sweetness with mild heat from the hot sauce and cayenne. You can adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper used in the recipe to suit your taste.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure the cornflakes are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cornflakes?
Puffed rice cereal, crushed crackers, or panko breadcrumbs can be excellent alternatives to cornflakes while still providing a crispy coating.
How long does it take to make this Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?
The entire process takes about 35 minutes, from prepping and breading the chicken to baking and making the sauce. It is excellent for a quick yet impressive homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is one of those standout dishes that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps. It has the kind of crave-worthy crunch and saucy sweetness that will make you want to cook it again and again. So warmly give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home—it’s comfort food perfection with a spicy-sweet twist!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and crispy baked chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy cornflake breading and drizzled with a sweet, spicy hot honey sauce. This easy-to-make dish balances sweetness and heat perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 3 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ½ cup flour (use a generous ½ cup)
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, whisked very well
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s recommended)
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Work: Crush the cornflakes using a food processor, rolling pin, or your hands until they are crumbly but still retain some texture.
- Prepare Bowls: In three shallow bowls, place the flour mixed with brown sugar, the whisked eggs mixed with hot sauce, and the crushed cornflake mixture combined with paprika, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner fillets. Tenderize the smooth side of each piece with a meat mallet until about ½-inch thick. You can cut the pieces smaller if desired.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season and Bread Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, shaking off excess. Coat generously with the cornflake mixture. If any spots need more coating, dip again in egg and then cornflakes. Place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased, light-colored baking sheet or on oven-safe cooling racks set over the sheet for extra crispiness.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the breaded chicken with nonstick cooking spray, then bake for 15-16 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While baking, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until butter melts, then bring to a boil and reduce to low, keeping warm.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Reserve some sauce on the side for dipping. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, place oven-safe cooling racks on the baking sheet before placing the breaded chicken.
- Use light brown sugar to balance the sweetness without overpowering the heat.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the breading and sauce to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Make sure to tenderize the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly without drying out.
- Leftover hot honey sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
