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Crispy Cornflake Hot Honey Chicken brings together the satisfying crunch of cornflake coating with a tangy-sweet spicy honey drizzle. This simple dinner option works great for busy weeknights and always leaves everyone asking for seconds with its perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavor.
Irresistible Heat-Sweet Chicken Delight
What makes this dish special is how the textures play against each other. You'll love the super crunchy exterior paired with the sticky-sweet sauce that packs just enough heat. It's incredibly straightforward to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, which is why it's always a winner with guests and family.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Cornflakes: 2 cups (120g) smashed into tiny bits (1-2mm pieces), make sure they're fresh for the best crunch and golden appearance
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) newly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated finely so it mixes well
- Spice Blend: 1 teaspoon each top-quality Spanish smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, kept in airtight containers for best flavor
- Fresh Eggs: 2 large eggs (at 65°F/18°C), whisked thoroughly with 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Chicken: 1 lb (454g) chicken tenderloins, all similar in size (4-5 inches), thoroughly dried
- Pure Honey: ½ cup (170g) unprocessed, raw honey for richer taste
- Quality Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons bright, flavorful hot sauce (60ml), taste first to check spiciness
- Ground Spices: ½ teaspoon each freshly ground cayenne and chipotle powder, test before using
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Premium grade for drizzling, roughly 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup mixed herbs, vibrant and fresh, cut just before adding
Foolproof Cooking Steps
- Set Up Kitchen And Oven
- Place rack in middle, heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover baking tray with parchment. Arrange three shallow bowls for dipping. Crush cornflakes to tiny 1-2mm pieces.
- Mix Your Crunchy Coating
- Stir cornflake bits with Parmesan and spices until fully mixed. Keep mixture around 65-70°F (18-21°C) for best sticking results. Check flavor before using.
- Coat Chicken Perfectly
- Completely dry chicken with paper towels. Dunk in spicy egg mix (65°F/18°C), let drip. Roll in cornflake mixture, gently pressing to stick. For extra crunch, coat twice, waiting 5 minutes between layers.
- Bake To Golden Perfection
- Lay chicken pieces with 1-inch space between on your lined tray. Add a light drizzle of olive oil on each. Bake for 25 minutes until they reach 165°F (74°C) inside and look golden outside.
- Whip Up Your Flavor Sauce
- Heat honey mixture in a small pot to 180°F (82°C). Mix in spices bit by bit, tasting as you go. The finished sauce should smoothly coat a spoon and drip in ribbons.
- Put It All Together
- Let chicken sit 3-5 minutes after baking. Pour warm honey sauce over top, scatter fresh herbs on. Serve right away while still super crunchy.
Round Out Your Dinner
This chicken goes great with crispy baked sweet potato fries and a simple winter greens salad. The hot-sweet sauce also works wonders with basic roasted veggies or plain rice, making it fit for everyday dinners or special get-togethers.
Keep It Fresh Afterwards
You can keep any leftover chicken in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. To bring back the crunch, warm it in your oven or air fryer. Store the sauce separately in the fridge and pour it over freshly heated chicken for the best taste.
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Easy Tweaks Available
You can change this dish up however you want. Need gluten-free? Just grab some gluten-free cornflakes. Want more or less kick? Just play with the cayenne and hot sauce amounts. The double coating trick always gives you amazing crunch, which makes it perfect for family dinners or when friends come over.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make this less spicy?
You can skip the cayenne or use less hot sauce. The honey will still give it a great sweet flavor with less kick.
- → Why pick cornflakes over breadcrumbs?
Cornflakes give an extra crispy texture that holds up well, even with the honey drizzle.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
You can coat the chicken and pop it in the fridge. Just make the sauce fresh and drizzle right before serving.
- → Can I swap tenders for thighs?
Sure! Just cook them a bit longer since thighs take more time. Check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Use an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven so it stays crispy!