Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, this Hot Honey Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. The crunch from the cornflakes coating combined with the zesty hot honey sauce will elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests at your next gathering. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal option for both novice and seasoned cooks.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
½ cup honey
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 people
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dredging Stations:
– In the first shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
– In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
– In the third bowl, place the crushed cornflakes.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
– Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 8 thin cutlets.
– Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
– Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs.
– Finally, press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring an even coating.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
– In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
– Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep the sauce warm until ready to use.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy baked chicken. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dredging Stations
In the first shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the crushed cornflakes.
Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 8 thin cutlets. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring an even coating.
Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep the sauce warm until ready to use.
Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy baked chicken. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness to allow for even cooking.
Coating Tips
For an extra crispy coating, you can double dip the chicken by repeating the flour and egg steps before the final cornflake coating.
Hot Honey Sauce Variations
Adjust the heat level of the hot honey sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy texture for the chicken.
Preparing Dredging Stations
Setting up separate bowls for flour, eggs, and cornflakes creates an efficient assembly line for coating the chicken.
Dredging Chicken
Properly coating the chicken in the flour mixture, eggs, and cornflakes enhances flavor and provides a crispy exterior when baked.
Baking Chicken
Baking at a high temperature allows the chicken to cook quickly while maintaining moisture and achieving a golden-brown finish.
Making Hot Honey Sauce
Combining honey, hot sauce, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat creates a flavorful glaze that complements the chicken perfectly.
Serving the Dish
Drizzling the hot honey sauce over the finished chicken adds an appealing presentation and extra flavor.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for cornflakes?
You can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar crunchy texture.
How can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of hot sauce to increase the heat in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier and store them separately in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.
What sides pair well with this chicken?
Pair the chicken with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy coleslaw for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This crispy baked chicken with hot honey sauce is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The golden cornflake crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the sweet and spicy sauce elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Swap the hot honey sauce for a tangy salsa and serve the chicken in soft tortillas, topped with avocado and cilantro.
Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Shred the crispy chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a honey mustard vinaigrette for a fresh salad.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Use your favorite buffalo sauce in place of hot honey and wrap the chicken with lettuce, carrots, and blue cheese in a whole wheat tortilla.
Chicken and Waffles
Serve the crispy chicken on top of waffles, drizzled with hot honey for a sweet and savory brunch treat.
Mac and Cheese with Crispy Chicken Topping
Chop the baked chicken and sprinkle it over creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and indulgent meal.
