Hot Honey Chicken

Delicious Hot Honey Chicken drizzled with spicy honey glaze served on a plate
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Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the crispy goodness of golden-brown chicken with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. Imagine bite-sized tenderloins that crunch when you bite into them, followed by a sticky sweetness that leaves you wanting more. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a main dish at a family gathering or as a flavorful snack during game day.

Why Make This Hot Honey Chicken

This Hot Honey Chicken recipe is not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to bring the heat and sweetness together in one dish, making it appealing to all ages. The crispy cornflake coating gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the honey sauce adds a sticky sweetness that perfectly complements the flavors of the chicken. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it with various sides or on its own as a tasty appetizer. This dish is sure to impress your friends and family without requiring hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken

Making Hot Honey Chicken is a simple process. You begin by preparing the chicken and its crispy coating. Then, coat the chicken tenderloins in a flavorful egg mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Next, whip up the mouthwatering hot honey sauce that transforms this dish into something truly special. Finally, cook the chicken in the oven or air fryer until perfectly golden brown. In less than an hour, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients:

To get started with your Hot Honey Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

  • 6 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • 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 (for chicken coating)
  • 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (for sauce)
  • 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)

Directions:

  1. Prepare Chicken & Coating: Trim 2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins and pat dry. In a shallow dish, combine 6 cups crushed cornflakes, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. In another shallow dish, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp hot sauce.

  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the cornflake mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or directly on an air fryer basket.

  3. Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup honey, 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, 1-3 tsp cayenne pepper, 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until well combined and gently simmering (3-5 minutes). Keep warm.

  4. Cook the Chicken (Oven or Air Fryer): For Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle chicken with olive oil. Bake for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly drizzle chicken with olive oil. Air fry in batches for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  5. Toss & Serve: Transfer hot, cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour warm hot honey sauce over chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh chopped chives/scallions (optional). Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 430
  • Protein: 39g
  • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 13g
  • Sodium: 550mg

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken

Serve Hot Honey Chicken fresh out of the oven or air fryer, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped chives/scallions for added color. It pairs perfectly with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking during parties or gatherings.

How to Store Hot Honey Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness before serving again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

  • Ensure the chicken is patted dry before coating; this helps the coating stick better.
  • You can customize the level of heat in the hot honey sauce by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the cooking equipment before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crunchiness.

Delicious Variations

  • Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken: Add minced garlic to the hot honey sauce for a garlicky flavor.
  • BBQ Hot Honey Chicken: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with honey for a smoky flavor twist.
  • Crispy Asian Hot Honey Chicken: Add sesame oil to the sauce and toss the chicken with sesame seeds for an Asian flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating.

  2. How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
    If you prefer a milder taste, use less cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the honey sauce. For extra heat, feel free to add more.

  3. Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
    Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before using.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken brings together crispy textures and a sweet-spicy flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a snack, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—your taste buds will thank you!

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Hot Honey Chicken

  • Author: acheyakh-mohamed
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Hot Honey Chicken features crispy golden-brown chicken tenderloins coated with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, making it a delightful dish perfect for gatherings or as a snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • 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 (for chicken coating)
  • 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (for sauce)
  • 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken & Coating: Trim and pat dry the chicken tenderloins. In a shallow dish, combine crushed cornflakes, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, whisk eggs with hot sauce.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each tenderloin in the egg mixture, then press into the cornflake mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or directly in the air fryer basket.
  3. Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until combined and simmering for 3-5 minutes. Keep warm.
  4. Cook the Chicken: For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C), drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18-25 minutes until golden brown. For air frying, preheat to 375°F (190°C), drizzle with olive oil, and air fry for 12-18 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Toss & Serve: Transfer cooked chicken to a mixing bowl, pour sauce over it, and toss to coat thoroughly. Garnish with sesame seeds or chives/scallions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking or Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chicken, hot honey, spicy, crispy, appetizer

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About me

James Walker

Pro Chef & Blogger

My name is James Walker, and I’m the founder and lead recipe developer at Smile Food. With over 7 years of professional culinary experience, I’ve cooked in diverse kitchens, studied global cuisines, and developed a passion for making cooking accessible to everyone.

 

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