This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that delivers on all the flavor without the fuss of deep frying. Think crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in a golden, seasoned crust, then drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze that clings to every nook and cranny. It’s bold, addictive, and incredibly simple to whip up. Plus, no oil splatter or complicated steps—just straight-up deliciousness in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, this one’s going to win hearts fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-Baked, Not Fried: You get all the crunch without a drop of frying oil. Healthier and way less cleanup!
Sweet and Spicy Combo: That hot honey glaze is the magic here—sticky, spicy, and sweet. It brings the chicken to life.
Fast and Fuss-Free: With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick bake, dinner’s done in no time.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s got just enough heat to keep things exciting but won’t overwhelm younger taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for the best texture and quickest cooking time.
Cornflakes: These are crushed and used as the crispy coating—way crunchier than breadcrumbs.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg stick to the chicken, which in turn holds the cornflake crust in place.
Eggs: Act as the binding glue for the coating.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the coating so every bite is flavorful.
Hot sauce (optional): Mix a little into the egg wash if you want an extra layer of heat baked right in.
Honey: The base of the glaze—rich, sweet, and sticky.
Red pepper flakes: Brings the heat to the hot honey. Adjust to taste depending on your spice level.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Butter: Helps the glaze coat the chicken smoothly and adds richness.

Variations

Make It Mild: Cut the red pepper flakes in half or skip them for a sweet glaze with just a whisper of warmth.
Extra Crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to the cornflake mix for even more texture.
Air Fryer Option: This recipe works beautifully in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Different Protein: Try it with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian spin, using the same dredge and glaze.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Trim the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

In one bowl, whisk together the eggs (add hot sauce if using). In a second bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. In a third bowl, add crushed cornflakes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the crushed cornflakes. Make sure it’s well coated for max crunch.

Step 4: Bake

Arrange the coated chicken on your prepared sheet and lightly spray with oil or cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, simmer honey, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Stir until melted and blended, then set aside.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle or brush the hot honey over the chicken right before serving. Or serve it on the side for dipping—your choice!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Crush Cornflakes by Hand or Food Processor: But don’t pulverize them. You want texture, not powder.
Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: If you have one, it helps keep the bottom crispy too by allowing air to circulate.
Let the Chicken Rest After Baking: This keeps the juices inside and the coating crunchy.
Add Glaze Just Before Serving: Keeps the crunch intact and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is versatile and pairs well with so many sides. Here’s how to turn it into a full meal:

Classic Combo:

Serve with mashed potatoes and a side of roasted green beans for comfort food perfection.

Southern-Inspired:

Try it with cornbread, slaw, and pickles for a meal that feels straight out of a summer cookout.

Light and Fresh:

Pair with a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Sandwich Style:

Stuff it into a brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and extra hot honey for an unforgettable chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if you can to maintain the crunch.

Freezing

Freeze coated and cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven or air fryer—this helps the coating crisp back up. Microwave if you must, but the texture will soften.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken tenders work beautifully here and cook even faster. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook—around 20 minutes should do it.

Is it spicy?
The heat level is very customizable. As written, it has a gentle kick, but you can tone it down or turn it up depending on how much red pepper you use in the hot honey.

Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Yes! Hot honey can be made days in advance and stored at room temperature or in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

What if I don’t have cornflakes?
Panko breadcrumbs are your next best bet. You won’t get quite the same crunch, but they still toast up beautifully in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything a weeknight dinner should be—simple, crave-worthy, and just the right amount of indulgent. The oven-baked crust is insanely satisfying, and that spicy-sweet glaze? Totally irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, don’t be surprised when there are no leftovers. Go ahead and make it—you’re going to love every bite!

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe