Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Welcome to a mouthwatering journey of flavor and crunch! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s perfect for those who adore a crispy exterior with a spicy, sweet kick — the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. This dish not only promises to be a feast for your taste buds but also accommodates gluten-free needs without compromising on taste.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if required)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder
• Sea salt
• Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley, for garnishing

Directions:

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Crumb Coating: Place the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine crumbs. This blend will be what gives our chicken that irresistible crunch.
3. Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and stir in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins to this mixture, tossing them to ensure they are well coated.
4. Coating the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflake mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to coat thoroughly. Arrange the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Baking: Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy.
6. Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, onion and garlic powder, and a hint of salt. Warm the mixture over low heat just until everything is well combined and slightly syrupy.
7. Serving: Once the chicken is baked, drizzle generously with the warm hot honey sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, cilantro, or parsley to add a fresh contrast to the spicy-sweet flavors.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 460 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines crunchy textures with bold flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the balance of heat from the cayenne and chipotle with the sweetness of honey, all brought together on a plate. Dive in and let each bite take you on a flavorful adventure!