This Hot Honey Chicken recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornflake crust. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a hot honey sauce, it’s a dish that brings bold flavors with every bite. The use of buttermilk ensures the breading sticks perfectly, creating a deliciously crunchy exterior that complements the succulent chicken inside. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or want to elevate your weeknight meals, this Hot Honey Chicken is sure to be a hit. The spicy honey glaze adds a unique twist, turning a simple baked chicken into a dish bursting with flavor. Pair it with some garlic butter collard greens or serve it over a fluffy biscuit for an irresistible combination that will leave your family and guests coming back for more.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Coat the chicken in the egg mixture, then dredge each piece in the cornflake mixture, ensuring each thigh is well-coated.
- Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey and chili flakes. Bring to a light boil, then stir in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: 444 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins and Inspiration Behind Hot Honey Chicken
This recipe takes inspiration from Nashville’s famous hot chicken and a culinary trend that has gained traction across the U.S. In particular, hot honey – a blend of sweet honey and fiery chili – has become a popular condiment for everything from pizza to fried chicken. Nashville hot chicken, made famous by restaurants like Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, is traditionally deep-fried and served with a spicy coating. However, this Hot Honey Chicken recipe offers a healthier, easier twist by baking the chicken instead of frying it, while still capturing that iconic, bold flavor.
Baked with a coating of seasoned cornflakes, the chicken stays juicy and tender inside, while the hot honey drizzle adds the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s a great way to experience the indulgence of Southern fried chicken without the mess or excess oil.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One of the standout features of Hot Honey Chicken is its combination of textures and flavors. The buttermilk marinade gives the chicken a subtle tang and helps the breading adhere to the chicken. The cornflake crust provides a delightful crunch without the need for deep-frying, which makes it a healthier alternative. You get all the crispy goodness of fried chicken with none of the grease.
But the real star of the show is the hot honey drizzle. Made with honey, chili flakes, hot sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, the sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy. It elevates the dish from being just another baked chicken recipe to something truly special. The sticky honey clings to the crispy coating, adding a spicy-sweet kick in every bite.
Health Benefits and Ingredients
Although comfort food is often thought of as indulgent, Hot Honey Chicken is a healthier take on the classic fried chicken recipe. By baking instead of frying, this dish cuts down on unhealthy fats and calories, making it a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Cornflakes provide a low-fat, crunchy coating, and the use of buttermilk, eggs, and seasonings ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: Chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Honey: A natural sweetener, honey offers antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a healthier choice than refined sugar.
- Chili flakes: Packed with capsaicin, chili flakes can help boost metabolism and add depth of flavor without adding extra calories.
- Buttermilk: Besides its tangy flavor, buttermilk is lower in fat than whole milk and adds moisture to the chicken without unnecessary calories.
This recipe is also customizable. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes or hot sauce, making it perfect for those who like a mild kick or those who love their food fiery. If you’re cooking for kids or guests with varying spice preferences, you can even leave the hot honey sauce on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle their own.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
While this recipe is fairly straightforward, a few cooking tips can help ensure the best results every time:
- Crush the Cornflakes Well: The finer the cornflakes, the better they will stick to the chicken and create an even, crispy coating. However, if you prefer more texture, leave some flakes larger for an extra crunch.
- Press the Breading Firmly: To ensure that the breading adheres properly to the chicken, press the cornflake mixture into the chicken pieces firmly. This will give you that irresistible crunchy exterior once baked.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken thighs can vary in thickness, and using a meat thermometer will help ensure your chicken is cooked through without overbaking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to be safe for consumption.
- Let the Hot Honey Rest: After making the hot honey sauce, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving the honey a more complex taste with just the right amount of heat.
- Serve with Complementary Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or collard greens. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Versatility of Hot Honey Chicken
One of the best things about this Hot Honey Chicken recipe is how versatile it is. While it’s perfect as a standalone dish for dinner, you can also use the chicken in a variety of other ways:
- In sandwiches: Place a piece of hot honey chicken between two slices of bread or a biscuit with pickles for a sandwich that rivals any fried chicken joint.
- Over salads: Add sliced chicken on top of a salad for a flavorful protein boost.
- On waffles: For a Southern-style brunch, serve the chicken with waffles and extra honey drizzle for a sweet and savory meal.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking for a recipe that works well for meal prep, Hot Honey Chicken is an ideal option. It reheats beautifully, making it a great dish to make in advance and enjoy throughout the week. Simply store the chicken and hot honey sauce separately to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken. You can reheat the chicken in the oven or an air fryer to bring back its crispiness.
This recipe also freezes well. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator and bake for a few minutes to crisp it up.
Why Hot Honey Chicken is a Must-Try Recipe
If you love bold flavors, easy preparation, and a healthier twist on a comfort food classic, Hot Honey Chicken is a must-try. This dish is:
- Full of flavor: From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the spicy-sweet hot honey, every bite is packed with taste.
- Crispy and crunchy: The cornflake coating gives the chicken a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky honey glaze.
- Healthier than fried chicken: Baking instead of frying makes this dish a better option for weeknight dinners without sacrificing any flavor.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and impressive.
Conclusion
With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Hot Honey Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just looking for an exciting new recipe to add to your rotation, this dish delivers in every way. The spicy honey adds a unique twist that elevates a basic baked chicken into something memorable and mouthwateringly delicious.
