Hot Honey Chicken
This Hot Honey Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, spicy sauce that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish delivers satisfying flavors that everyone will love. The oven-baked method ensures that the chicken remains juicy while achieving that coveted crunch. Plus, with its easy preparation and minimal cleanup, Hot Honey Chicken is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating gives the chicken an irresistible crunch.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey sauce adds a unique twist that balances sweetness with heat.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this dish, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick baking sheet: Ensures easy removal of the chicken without sticking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively during preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken & Coating
- 3 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs.)
- Salt/Pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ½ cup flour (use a generous ½ cup)
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (I use light)
- 3 large eggs (whisked very well)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 5 cups cornflakes
Seasoning & Sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: pepper, cayenne pepper
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce (I use Frank’s)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Hot Honey Chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating
- In one bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs with hot sauce until well combined.
- Crush cornflakes in a food processor or by hand until they are crumbs. Place them in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Breasts
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece first into the flour mixture.
- Next, coat it in the egg mixture.
- Finally, roll it in the crushed cornflakes until fully covered.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a nonstick baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make Hot Honey Sauce
- While the chicken bakes:
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Stir in honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy Hot Honey Chicken!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken
Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweetness and spice, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the hot honey sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Add some veggies and eggs for a flavorful twist alongside your crispy chicken.
With Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the heat of the sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these are a great complement.
In Tacos
- Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve in soft tortillas topped with cabbage and additional hot sauce.
- Burritos: Wrap the chicken with rice, beans, and cheese for a hearty meal.
On a Salad
- Crispy Chicken Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your hot honey chicken for a refreshing option.
- Caesar Salad: Add strips of hot honey chicken to a classic Caesar salad for an exciting flavor boost.
As Sliders
- Hot Honey Chicken Sliders: Serve small pieces of chicken on slider buns with pickles and extra hot honey sauce for a fun appetizer.
With Dipping Sauce
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These creamy dips cool down the heat while adding extra flavor to your meal.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Chicken, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts ensure better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This helps achieve that extra crispy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece of chicken space while baking for even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference—more for spice lovers!
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures juiciness in every bite.
- Experiment with Coatings: Try adding different spices or herbs to the cornflake coating for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken
Pairing Hot Honey Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery loaf that pairs well with any meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the spicy flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the overall taste profile of your dish.
- Baked Beans: Their sweetness complements the spicy notes in the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: A healthy option that adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with fresh vegetables makes for a great side dish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort food at its best; kids will love this pairing!
- Sauteed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach provides a nutritious addition without overpowering flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Hot Honey Chicken turn out perfectly every time. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not seasoning the chicken: Failing to season your chicken breasts can lead to bland flavor. Always use salt and pepper, and consider marinating for added taste.
- Skipping the egg wash: Omitting the egg wash results in uneven coating. Make sure you whisk the eggs well and coat the chicken thoroughly before breading.
- Using stale cornflakes: Stale cornflakes won’t give you that desired crunch. Always use fresh cornflakes for a crispy texture.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than baking, making your chicken soggy. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece on the sheet.
- Ignoring cooking times: Not following the recommended cooking time may lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Chicken
- Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Hot Honey Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, place a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: In a skillet, add a little oil over medium heat. Cook each side of the chicken for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Hot Honey Chicken:
What is Hot Honey Chicken?
Hot Honey Chicken is an oven-baked dish featuring crispy chicken breasts drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, perfect for dinner.
Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute boneless skinless thighs or even chicken tenders if you prefer.
How spicy is Hot Honey Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce used in both the breading and sauce.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adjusting spice levels or pairing it with various sides. Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table! Try it out today!
Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly marries crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Ideal for any occasion, this oven-baked recipe ensures juicy chicken with a delightful crunch. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs.)
- ½ cup flour
- 3 large eggs
- 5 cups cornflakes
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: pepper, cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Salt/Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, mix flour and seasonings; in another bowl, whisk eggs and hot sauce.
- Crush cornflakes and place in a third bowl.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and roll in cornflakes.
- Place on a nonstick baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add honey, hot sauce, and seasonings; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the sauce over baked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
