Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet Spicy Crispy Meal

This Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, striking the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. The crispy coating combined with the hot honey glaze creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. If you’re looking for a delectable meal that will tantalize your taste buds, you’ve landed on the right recipe!

Why Make This Recipe

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is not only scrumptious but also fun to prepare. This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or even a festive celebration. The unique combination of spicy hot sauce and sweet honey elevates the humble chicken tenderloins to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, the crunch from the cornflakes makes each bite satisfying!

Whether you’re a busy parent, a foodie looking for your next favorite dish, or someone wanting to impress at your next dinner party, this recipe caters to all. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in less than an hour. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen!

How to Make Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

To make your Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, you will need a selection of ingredients and follow some straightforward directions. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef; this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cornflakes
• 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
• Olive oil for drizzling
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Ensure the chicken tenderloins are of uniform size to promote even cooking. Set up two shallow dishes—one for the egg wash (2 large eggs whisked with 2 tablespoons hot sauce) and another for the dry coating (6 cups crushed cornflakes, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, mixed well).

2. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Next, transfer the chicken to the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. For a crunchier texture, repeat the egg wash and cornflake coating process. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking sheet.

3. Cook the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the tops of the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

4. Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1/2 cup honey, 2 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir until smooth and gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Glaze and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success with Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

1. Uniform Chicken Size: Cutting the chicken tenderloins to a similar size helps ensure they cook evenly.

2. Double Dipping: For an extra-crispy texture, double dip your chicken in the egg wash and cornflake mixture.

3. Oven Monitoring: Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes; cooking times can vary based on your oven and preferred crispiness.

4. Honey Selection: For a more complex flavor, consider using raw honey or flavored honey, like wildflower or orange blossom.

5. Hot Sauce Alteration: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat tolerance.

6. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before tossing it with the hot honey sauce to help retain its crispiness.

Flavor Variations for Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

1. Garlic Parmesan Version: Add more parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the coating for a cheesy, garlicky version.

2. Sweet and Sour Twist: Mix in some soy sauce and pineapple juice with the hot honey sauce for a sweet and sour flavor combo.

3. Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the cornflake mixture for an herby twist.

4. Citrus Zing: Add some freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice to the hot honey glaze for a tart flavor contrast.

5. Spicy Variations: Experiment with different types of hot sauce, such as sriracha or buffalo sauce, for varying levels of heat.

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Serve with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with sweet potato fries for a delightful meal.
• Offer biscuit or cornbread for a Southern-style feast.
• Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious hot honey sauce.
• Pair with fresh veggies or a garden salad for a light and balanced meal.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze your Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Using Leftovers: Leftover chicken can also be chopped up and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|———–|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |

FAQ About Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Can I use other types of chicken parts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! While chicken tenderloins work great for this recipe, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time, as different cuts may take longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Ensure that any sauces or ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free.

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about a week. Just warm it up before serving to make sure it’s nice and smooth.

What can I serve with Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken?

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables. It also works well with a light salad or some fresh fruit.

How can I adjust the level of spiciness?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the recipe. Alternatively, if you love spice, feel free to add more hot sauce to the egg wash or alter the quantities in the hot honey sauce.

Final Thoughts

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful sweet-spicy crispy meal that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a favorite. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself returning to it again and again!

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