When you’re craving crispy chicken but want to skip the deep fryer — yet still enjoy all the crunchy goodness — look no further than Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This irresistible recipe combines juicy baked chicken, a golden crispy crust, and a drizzle of sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey glaze that takes it over the top.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get perfectly crispy baked chicken, this recipe is your answer. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, including ingredient tips, step-by-step directions, pro secrets, serving suggestions, FAQs, and creative variations.

Let’s dive into the world of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken and discover why this dish is quickly becoming a favorite at dinner tables everywhere.

Why You’ll Love Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

There’s something magical about the contrast between juicy, tender chicken and a crunchy, golden crust — and this dish delivers it without the mess of frying. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken:

It’s crispy without the grease: Thanks to crushed cornflakes and a hot oven, you get maximum crunch without deep frying.
It’s healthier: Baking uses far less oil than frying while still delivering satisfying texture.
It’s sweet, spicy, and savory: The hot honey glaze brings all the flavors together perfectly.
It’s family-friendly yet impressive: Kids and adults alike devour this dish, and it looks and tastes like something from a fancy gastropub.
It’s easy to make at home: With simple pantry ingredients and easy prep, you’ll master this recipe in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making this delicious dish. Each ingredient in Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken serves a purpose — and together they create magic.

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work beautifully.
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- These create the crispy, crunchy coating.
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Adds structure and helps the crust stay together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For a savory punch.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Brings subtle smokiness to the crust.
1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Essential for seasoning.

For the Egg Wash:

2 eggs
- Helps the coating adhere.
¼ cup milk
- Thins out the egg wash for even coating.

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

½ cup honey
- Sweet and sticky base.
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Adjust to your spice preference.

Other:

Cooking spray or a little oil
- Helps the crust crisp up in the oven.

How to Make Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Step by Step

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray or brush it with oil. This prevents sticking and promotes crispiness.

2. Crush the Cornflakes

Using a food processor or a rolling pin, crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs. You want some texture — not powder — so stop before they’re completely pulverized.

3. Mix the Dry Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine:

Crushed cornflakes
Breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper

4. Prepare the Egg Wash

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

5. Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg wash, then press it into the cornflake mixture, coating thoroughly. Press down so the crumbs really stick.

6. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil to help the crust crisp up.

7. Bake

Bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden brown and crunchy.

8. Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken bakes, warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in hot sauce. Taste and adjust heat level to your liking.

9. Serve

Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

If you want your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken to be absolutely perfect, keep these tips in mind:

Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Chicken thighs stay moist and tender during baking, but if you prefer leaner meat, breasts work fine — just avoid overcooking them.

Don’t Over-Crush the Cornflakes

You want them fine enough to coat evenly but coarse enough to maintain texture.

Spray or Brush Oil on Top

This little step ensures the crust turns crispy and golden without needing to deep fry.

Let the Chicken Rest

After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps retain its juices.

Adjust the Heat

Customize the hot honey by adding more or less hot sauce. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Why Bake Instead of Fry?

Baking this dish instead of frying has several benefits:

Healthier: You use less oil and reduce calories.
Cleaner: No splattering oil to clean up.
Easier: No need for special equipment like a deep fryer.
Just as crispy: The cornflake coating and high oven heat create fantastic crunch.

Creative Variations

Want to put your own spin on Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken? Here are a few creative ideas:

Swap the Spice

Try sriracha, chili paste, or chipotle in the honey glaze for a different flavor profile.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornflakes to accommodate dietary needs.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan into the breading mix for extra umami.

Turn Them into Tenders

Slice chicken into strips before breading and baking for kid-friendly chicken tenders.

Make it a Sandwich

Serve the chicken on toasted buns with pickles, lettuce, and extra hot honey for a knockout sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Starches

Mashed potatoes
Buttermilk biscuits
Rice pilaf

Veggies

Roasted Brussels sprouts
Corn on the cob
Garlic green beans

Salads

Coleslaw
Simple garden salad
Cucumber and tomato salad

And don’t forget to have extra hot honey on the table for dipping!

How to Store and Reheat

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This recipe succeeds because of its thoughtful balance of flavors and textures:

The cornflake-breadcrumb coating delivers maximum crunch.
The egg wash ensures the breading sticks to the chicken.
The hot honey provides a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory chicken.
Baking at 400°F allows the outside to crisp while the inside stays juicy.

It’s not just delicious — it’s reliable and repeatable, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken isn’t just tasty — it’s versatile enough for any occasion:

Family dinner
Game day snack
Casual get-together
Picnic or potluck
Meal prep for the week

Everyone will rave about this dish, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~350
Protein: ~28g
Carbs: ~30g
Fat: ~12g
Fiber: ~1g
Servings: 4

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and exact ingredients used.

FAQs About Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in thighs or drumsticks may take 10–15 minutes longer to reach 165°F.

Can I make it ahead?

You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.

What if I don’t have cornflakes?

You can substitute crushed panko breadcrumbs or even crushed Ritz crackers, though cornflakes give the crispiest texture.

Is it very spicy?

You control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you love spice.

Can I air fry this recipe?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?

No, as long as you spray or brush the tops with oil, they’ll crisp up beautifully without flipping.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy all at once, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Not only is it healthier than traditional fried chicken, but it also packs in bold flavors and an unbeatable crunch — all from your oven.

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. The combination of golden, crispy coating and luscious hot honey glaze is nothing short of addictive.

So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying chicken dishes you’ll ever make. Your taste buds — and your guests — will thank you for introducing them to the unforgettable magic of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.