Description
This Hot Honey Crunch Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy, crunchy cornflake and parmesan crust. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a warm, flavorful hot honey sauce infused with smoky chipotle, cayenne, and aromatic spices, it’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Crunchy Coating
- 6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt, to taste (pinch for coating)
Chicken and Batter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1-3 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Sea salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Cornflake Crumbs: In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until the mixture forms fine, crumbly pieces that will create a crunchy coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture to coat thoroughly, then dredge in the cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated chicken pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to help crisp the coating during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small saucepot. Warm the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Once the chicken is baked, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley before serving for a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce quantities to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes if you require a gluten-free version.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray in addition to drizzling olive oil.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even baking and crisping.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor experience.
