Baked Crunchy Hot Honey

These Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken tenders bring together a perfect harmony of spicy heat and sweet honey glaze with a crisp cornflake and parmesan crust. They are baked in the oven for an easy and lighter alternative to frying, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or game day treat.

Ingredients

• Cornflakes: use gluten-free if necessary to keep the crust crisp without gluten
• Parmesan cheese: adds a savory richness and helps bind the crust
• Smoked paprika: provides a mild smoky depth
• Onion powder and garlic powder: enhance the flavor base while a pinch of sea salt brightens the whole crust
• Beaten eggs: mixed with hot sauce create a flavorful coating that helps the crust stick
• Chicken tenderloins: tender chicken breast tenderloins are lean and cook quickly
• Extra virgin olive oil: is drizzled lightly for browning and crispiness
• Honey: in the sauce balances the heat
• Hot sauce: adds the spicy kick
• Cayenne pepper: adjusts the heat intensity
• Chipotle chili powder: adds smoky warmth
• Garlic powder and onion powder: round out the sauce flavors
• Fresh herbs: fresh thyme cilantro or parsley add a fresh herbaceous note as garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy

Make Crust Mixture:

Pulse cornflakes parmesan smoked paprika onion powder garlic powder and sea salt in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs. Transfer this mixture to a shallow bowl where you will coat the chicken

Prepare Chicken Coating:

In a separate bowl beat the eggs together with the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins to this mixture and gently toss ensuring each piece is fully coated. This step flavors the meat and helps the crust adhere

Dredge Chicken:

Roll each piece of chicken thoroughly in the crumb mixture till well coated. For extra crunch do a double layer by dipping back into the egg mixture then the crust again. Arrange the coated chicken evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to promote browning

Bake Chicken:

Bake the chicken in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy. Flip the pieces halfway through baking if preferred for even color

Make Hot Honey Sauce:

While the chicken bakes combine honey hot sauce cayenne chipotle garlic powder onion powder and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm gently until the sauce is blended and pourable keeping the spices well mixed

Finish and Serve:

Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the freshly baked crunchy chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately while still warm and enjoy the combination of sweet spicy and crunchy flavors

Save Pin

My favorite part of this recipe has always been the crust. It adds an unexpected crunch compared to traditional breading and pairs wonderfully with the sticky hot honey. I remember making this for a Sunday football game and everyone was obsessed with how easy it was but felt like a treat

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain crispness reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five to seven minutes before serving. If you want to meal prep bake the chicken and keep the sauce separate warming both just before eating for maximum texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs work well if you do not have cornflakes. For a dairy-free option leave out parmesan and boost seasoning with extra garlic or smoked paprika. You can swap out honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the sauce for a different but still delicious sweetness. Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control spice level especially for kids

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crunchy tenders with cooling dips like ranch blue cheese or a yogurt herb dip to balance the spice. They also go great alongside fresh slaw roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a full meal. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon on top can brighten flavors even more

Cultural Context

Hot honey as a flavor pairing has roots in Southern cooking where sweet and spicy elements often combine especially with fried chicken. This recipe offers a baked alternative that captures that same crave-worthy contrast. By using common pantry ingredients like cornflakes and spices it bridges comfort food with modern homemade simplicity

Pro Tips

Make sure to pulse the cornflakes into fine crumbs for an even coating. I learned the hard way that skipping the double dip in the egg mixture reduces the crispiness significantly. Lightly drizzle olive oil instead of pouring it to avoid soggy spots in the crust. Adjust cayenne pepper gradually especially if you are serving kids or sensitive eaters

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs cut into strips work well. Bake slightly longer—about 5 extra minutes—to ensure they cook through evenly.

→ Is it possible to substitute breadcrumbs for cornflakes?

Absolutely. Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs provide a similar satisfyingly crunchy texture when baked.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free cornflakes and verify that your hot sauce contains no gluten ingredients.

→ How do I reduce the heat for children or mild palates?

Lower the cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts in both the coating and the honey glaze to achieve a gentler flavor.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, grill on a greased pan over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then drizzle with the hot honey sauce for finishing.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can bake the chicken in advance and reheat briefly before serving. Add the hot honey glaze right before plating for best texture.

→ Can I use an air fryer for this?

Yes, air-fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and using a light oil spray for even crispness.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a cool yogurt-herb dip nicely balance the spicy-sweet notes.

→ Can plain honey be used in the glaze?

Yes, drizzle plain honey for gentle sweetness or whisk in hot sauce to taste for a spicier finish.

→ Will the crust stay crispy throughout the day?

The crust is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Reheating briefly in the oven or air fryer restores its crunch.

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