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Hot Honey Chicken

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This chicken dish features a crispy cornflake coating and gets topped with a homemade hot honey sauce. Easy to make but packed with sweet and spicy flavors.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:30:34 GMT
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A plate of golden, crispy fried pieces coated in a glossy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy fried pieces coated in a glossy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with chopped green onions. | recipesim.com

My Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken started as a happy accident when I spotted some leftover cornflakes in my pantry. After countless kitchen experiments I discovered that baking creates an incredible crunch without the mess of deep frying. When that sweet and spicy honey sauce hits the crispy coating magic happens. Now it's one of my family's most requested dinners even my picky eaters clean their plates.

The Secret to Success

What makes this chicken so special is that perfect cornflake coating. It gets amazingly crispy in the oven no deep fryer needed. But the real game changer is that hot honey sauce it adds just the right balance of sweet heat to every bite. I love serving this on busy weeknights when I want something that feels special but doesn't take hours to make.

Everything You Need

Let's gather our ingredients:

  • For the chicken:
  • 4 chicken breasts halved for even cooking
  • 90g plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 150g cornflakes not crushed too fine
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil like canola
  • Your favorite seasonings I love adding paprika and garlic powder

Plus ingredients for our hot honey sauce we'll talk about that next.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 200°C. While it's heating set up your breading station three shallow dishes make this so easy. Season your flour in one beaten eggs in another and those crushed cornflakes mixed with some oil in the third.

Now comes the fun part dip each piece of chicken first in flour shake off the excess then into the egg and finally press it into those cornflakes until it's well coated. Arrange everything on a lined baking tray give it a light drizzle of oil then into the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway through.

A close-up image of glazed, crispy tofu squares garnished with green onions and sesame seeds on a speckled plate. Pin it
A close-up image of glazed, crispy tofu squares garnished with green onions and sesame seeds on a speckled plate. | recipesim.com

Getting That Perfect Crunch

Here's my secret for amazing texture don't crush those cornflakes too fine. You want some bigger pieces mixed in with the smaller bits. A light coating of oil helps everything turn beautifully golden brown. When it comes out of the oven you'll hear that satisfying crunch with every bite.

Perfect Partners

While this chicken is delicious on its own I love serving it with creamy coleslaw the cool crunch perfectly balances that spicy honey sauce. Sometimes I'll tuck pieces into soft rolls with lettuce and pickles for the most amazing sliders. My kids love it with cornbread and when I'm feeling extra virtuous I'll roast some carrots or sweet potatoes alongside.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep everything earlier in the day just keep the coated chicken covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake. The coating stays crispy as long as you keep it dry. I've even frozen the coated chicken raw just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Common Questions

Friends often ask if they can use chicken thighs absolutely just cook them a bit longer. The cornflakes are really special but panko breadcrumbs work in a pinch though the texture will be different. You can adjust the spice level of the sauce to your taste my family likes it medium hot. While you can freeze the raw coated chicken it's definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven for maximum crispiness.

Making It Your Own

Don't be afraid to play with this recipe. Sometimes I mix grated parmesan into the cornflake coating it adds amazing flavor. Maple syrup makes a delicious alternative to honey in the sauce. The coating even works beautifully on fish or shrimp. However you make it that combination of sweet spicy and crunchy never disappoints.

A close-up of golden-brown fried pieces of food coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a decorative plate. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown fried pieces of food coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a decorative plate. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why slice the chicken breasts horizontally?

Slicing creates thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. They also get crispier since there's more surface area for the coating.

→ Can I adjust how spicy it is?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and cayenne in the honey sauce. Start with less and add more to taste.

→ How do I keep the coating crispy?

Don't skip the oil in the cornflake coating. It helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. Also avoid stacking the chicken pieces while baking.

→ What's the best way to crush cornflakes?

Put them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Don't make them too fine - some texture is good.

→ Can I use the air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

A delightful chicken recipe that combines crispy texture with a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Hot Honey Chicken

Tender chicken coated in crispy cornflakes and drizzled with spicy honey butter sauce. The perfect balance of sweet heat and crunch.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 pieces)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 chicken breasts (1½ pounds).
02 ¾ cup plain flour.
03 ½ teaspoon salt.
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
05 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
06 1 teaspoon paprika.
07 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
08 2 beaten eggs.
09 5 cups crushed cornflakes.
10 3 spoons cooking oil.
11 ½ cup honey.
12 3 spoons hot sauce.
13 2 spoons butter.
14 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
15 ½ teaspoon cayenne.
16 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet. Cut each chicken breast in half sideways to make 8 thin pieces.

Step 02

Mix flour with spices in one bowl. Put eggs in second bowl. Mix cornflakes and oil in third bowl.

Step 03

Coat each piece first in flour mix, then egg, then cornflakes. Put on baking sheet.

Step 04

Cook 20-25 minutes until chicken is done and crispy golden.

Step 05

Heat honey, hot sauce, butter and spices in a pan until butter melts.

Step 06

Pour hot honey sauce over chicken. Add salt if you like.

Notes

  1. Can make chicken ahead.
  2. Sauce keeps for a week.
  3. Works in air fryer too.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • 3 mixing bowls.
  • Small saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 35 g