Mouthwatering Hot Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet Heat with a Crunchy Twist

If you're in the mood for a dish that packs both a fiery punch and a hint of sweetness, this Hot Honey Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, oven-baked chicken cutlets coated in crushed cornflakes, creating that perfect golden crunch, and then generously drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce. The combination of tender chicken, spicy heat, and sticky-sweet honey will leave you craving more after each bite.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I found this incredible recipe at Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering.

How This Recipe Became a Favorite in My Kitchen

The first time I made this Hot Honey Chicken, it was a game-changer. I love experimenting with bold flavors, and the blend of spicy cayenne and sweet honey immediately won me over. It’s become a go-to for weeknights when I want something simple yet bursting with flavor. Plus, it's oven-baked, so you get that satisfying crunch without the mess of frying—win-win!

A Dish with a Cultural Twist

Hot honey is a trend that’s taken off in recent years, blending Southern-style comfort food with bold, spicy flavors. This dish feels like a nod to Nashville-style hot chicken but with a fun twist thanks to the honey. It’s a perfect mix of soul-warming comfort food and new, exciting flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Breading: In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a second bowl, beat the eggs, and in a third bowl, add the crushed cornflakes.
3. Slice and Dredge the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 8 thin cutlets. Dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with the crushed cornflakes.
4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, heat the honey, hot sauce, butter, chili powder, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep it warm.
6. Drizzle and Serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately drizzle it generously with the hot honey sauce. Serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken

• Crush Your Cornflakes Just Right: Make sure the cornflakes are crushed fine enough to coat the chicken thoroughly but not so much that they lose their crunch.
• Sauce Variations: If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or switch to a milder hot sauce. For an extra kick, try adding a bit of sriracha or even diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve this hot honey chicken alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. A cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce can also complement the dish perfectly.

A Few Fun Facts About Hot Honey Chicken

Did you know that hot honey is inspired by traditional Southern flavors but has Italian origins? Mike Kurtz, the creator of the famous “Mike’s Hot Honey,” first discovered the concept while in Brazil, and the trend quickly took off in the U.S. It's now a beloved topping for everything from pizza to fried chicken—and now, this delicious baked chicken version!

Your Turn to Try!

Did you enjoy this Hot Honey Chicken recipe? Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment below, share your variations, or tag me on social media with your creation. Don’t forget to hit the follow button for more easy, flavorful recipes like this one!