Baked Crunchy Hot Honey (Print-Friendly Version)
Golden-baked chicken with crispy cornflake coating and sweet-spicy honey drizzle that delivers the perfect balance of crunch and heat.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
02 -
1 cup buttermilk
03 -
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
04 -
1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1/2 tsp paprika
06 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1/2 tsp salt
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
09 -
Cooking spray or olive oil
→ For the Hot Honey
10 -
1/2 cup honey
11 -
1–2 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
12 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 -
Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 -
Soak chicken in buttermilk (and hot sauce, if using) for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
02 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease.
03 -
Mix crushed cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
04 -
Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the crunchy coating. Press to adhere.
05 -
Arrange coated chicken on the baking sheet. Spray tops with cooking spray. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway if desired.
06 -
While chicken bakes, warm honey in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Do not boil.
07 -
Once chicken is done, drizzle with warm hot honey or serve it on the side.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Use an air fryer at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for extra crunch.
02 -
Adjust honey-to-heat ratio based on your spice preference.