Ready for a juicy, crunchy chicken dish with a kick? This Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce is baked to perfection, delivering a crispy coating thanks to a secret ingredient—crushed corn flakes! Inspired by our Nashville trip, this easy oven-baked version is family-friendly and lets you tweak the heat to your liking. Drizzled with a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken with an extra-crispy corn flake coating.
- Sweet and spicy hot honey sauce you can customize.
- Easy to bake in the oven or air fryer.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff.
Tools Needed
To make this Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Missing anything? Visit Our Shop for quality gear to make your cooking a breeze!
- Baking tray: For perfectly crisp chicken in the oven (Serious Eats guide to top baking sheets).
- Mixing bowls: Three needed for the breading station.
- Whisk: To blend the eggs smoothly.
- Small saucepan: For crafting the hot honey sauce.
- Knife: To slice the chicken breasts evenly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce:
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (8 pieces total)
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp each salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- 1 tsp each paprika and dried thyme
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups (150g) corn flakes, crushed
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup (180ml) honey
- 3 tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp each smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder
For Serving
- Pickles or your favorite fixings
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce:
- Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 8 thin pieces.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine crushed corn flakes with 3 tbsp oil.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with corn flakes. Place on a baking tray.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot pepper sauce, butter, smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the butter melts, then remove from heat.
- Assemble: Pile the chicken on a platter, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and serve with extra sauce and pickles on the side.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce
- Crush corn flakes finely: Smaller crumbs stick better for max crispiness.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the tray: Space the chicken out for even crispiness.
- Skipping the oil in the crumbs: It’s key for that golden crunch.
- Overcooking: Check the internal temp to avoid dry chicken.
Variations
Switch up your Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce with these ideas:
- Use panko instead of corn flakes for a lighter crunch.
- Swap cayenne for chili powder for milder heat.
- Serve over waffles for a sweet-savory twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes. - What if I don’t have hot pepper sauce?
Use sriracha or a mix of vinegar and cayenne. - Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. - How spicy is the sauce?
It’s adjustable—start with less hot sauce and taste as you go. - Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat gently.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce brings Nashville vibes right to your table—crisp, juicy, and dripping with sweet-spicy goodness. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and grab your kitchen essentials at Our Shop for more cooking fun!
