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Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Nonstick spray or light oil mist

For the Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for spice tolerance)
  • 4 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked for extra depth)
  • 2 tsp seasoning mix (salt, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne)

For the Hot Honey Sauce

  • ½ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare
    Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, lightly greased.
  • Crush and Coat
    In a food processor or with a rolling pin, crush cornflakes into small, irregular crumbs — not powdery, but enough to cling to chicken.
  • Set Up Your Breading Station
    Use three shallow bowls:
    Flour mix – flour + brown sugar
    Egg wash – eggs + hot sauce
    Cornflake coating – crushed cornflakes + paprika + seasoning mix
  • Season and Dredge
    Pat chicken dry (this matters for crispiness). Season with salt and pepper. Coat each piece in flour, dip in the egg wash, then press into the cornflake coating until fully covered.
  • Bake to Crispy Perfection
    Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, giving each piece breathing room. Lightly spray with nonstick oil.Bake 15–16 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Make the Hot Honey Sauce
    While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  • Drizzle and Serve
    Remove the chicken from the oven, drizzle generously with hot honey sauce, and save extra for dipping.(Pro tip: if you love dramatic plating, drizzle right before serving for that shine.)