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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet, Spicy & Crispy Without Frying

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Crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in crunchy cornflakes and finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • to 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts

  • ¾ cup buttermilk

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups crushed cornflakes

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Oil spray or olive oil drizzle

For the Hot Honey:

  • ½ cup honey

  • 12 tsp red pepper flakes

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

  • Marinate chicken in buttermilk, garlic, paprika, salt, and cayenne for 30 minutes or overnight.

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and a wire rack.

  • Set up breading station: flour, buttermilk, crushed cornflakes with seasonings.

  • Dredge chicken in flour, dip in buttermilk again, and press into cornflakes. Place on rack.

  • Spray with oil and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

  • Meanwhile, simmer honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and butter (if using) over low heat for 3–5 minutes.

  • Drizzle hot honey over crispy chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make it mild by reducing chili flakes.

  • Use tenders or nuggets for a faster cook.

  • Reheat leftovers in air fryer for best texture.