Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken combines crispy baked chicken with a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients like cornflakes for crunch and a honey-hot sauce blend for bold flavor. Make this family favorite with just a few steps for a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with any side.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs.)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray

Flour Mixture:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (a generous 1/2 cup)
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Egg Mixture:

• 3 large eggs, whisked well
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Breading Mixture:

• 5 cups crushed cornflakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: pepper, cayenne pepper

Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder

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Instructions

Prep Work:

1. Crush the cornflakes using a food processor, rolling pin, or by hand.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls for the flour mixture, egg mixture, and breading mixture.
3. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Use a meat mallet to tenderize the smooth side until the chicken is about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into smaller strips if desired.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Bread the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage. Shake off any excess.
3. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip off to prevent soggy breading.
4. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure the cornflakes adhere. For areas needing extra breading, dip back into the egg mixture and then the breading.
5. Arrange the breaded chicken on a lightly greased, light-colored baking sheet. For crispier results, place an oven-safe cooling rack over the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on top.
6. Spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake the Chicken & Make the Sauce:

1. Bake the chicken for 15-16 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
2. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter melts, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.
3. Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Reserve extra sauce for dipping, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The cornflake breading adds a satisfying crunch while the hot honey sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, snack, or appetizer—great for family dinners or gatherings.

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Tips

• Crushing Cornflakes: For a finer texture, use a food processor. For a chunkier breading, crush by hand.
• Prevent Soggy Breading: Pat the chicken dry and ensure excess egg mixture is removed before coating with breading.
• Extra Crispy Chicken: Use an oven-safe cooling rack on your baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the chicken.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicier Sauce: Add extra cayenne or a splash of sriracha to the hot honey sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free cornflakes.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The hot honey sauce can also be made in advance and reheated.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

What can I use instead of cornflakes? Panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative for a similar crunch.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Dipping Sauce: Reserve some hot honey sauce for dipping or serve with ranch dressing for a milder option.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy Hot Honey Chicken!