Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

This is one of my favorite weeknight recipes—crunchy, tender, and coated in a homemade hot honey glaze that hits the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping ahead, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• ▢ 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten free, if needed)

• ▢ 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• ▢ 2 large eggs, beaten

• ▢ 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• ▢ 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins

• ▢ Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

• ▢ 1/2 cup honey

• ▢ 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)

• ▢ 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (depending on desired spice level)

• ▢ 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• ▢ Sea salt, to taste

• ▢ Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating
   Pulse the cornflakes in a food processor with smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until you get a fine, crispy crumb. Stir in the parmesan cheese—this adds just the right salty, melty crunch once baked.

2. Bread the Chicken
   In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then into the cornflake coating. For a crunchier bite, double-dip—egg, crumbs, then repeat.

3. Bake Until Golden
   Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Bake at 425°F for about 25 minutes or until the coating is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Make the Hot Honey
   In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add a pinch of sea salt. Stir until it’s smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Finishing Touch
   Drizzle the hot honey generously over the chicken tenders. Finish with fresh thyme or your favorite herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt.

🥗 Ray’s Tip:

Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and a simple green salad to balance the heat. These also reheat beautifully in an air fryer!