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Crispy Cornflake Hot Honey Chicken brings together crunchy cereal-coated chicken and tangy-sweet spicy honey sauce. The whole family loves this simple dinner option that delivers both satisfying texture and bold flavor in every mouthful.
Irresistible Heat-Sweet Chicken Creation
What makes this dish special is how the textures and tastes work together. You get amazing crunch from the cornflakes while the hot honey brings sweetness with a spicy, smoky kick. It's super easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, so everyone will ask for seconds.
Key Ingredients List
- Cornflakes: 2 cups (120g) smashed into small bits (1-2mm pieces), using only fresh flakes for the best golden crunch
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) newly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, ground fine so it sticks well
- Spice Blend: 1 teaspoon each top-quality Spanish smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, kept in sealed containers for best flavor
- Fresh Eggs: 2 large eggs (at room temp 65°F/18°C), whisked thoroughly with 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Chicken: 1 lb (454g) chicken tenderloins, all the same size (4-5 inches long), wiped completely dry
- Pure Honey: ½ cup (170g) natural, unfiltered honey for richer taste
- Quality Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons bright, punchy hot sauce (60ml), sample first to check spiciness
- Ground Spices: ½ teaspoon each fresh cayenne and chipotle powder, test before using for heat level
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Premium type for drizzling, around 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup mixed fresh herbs, vibrant and firm, cut just before adding
Foolproof Cooking Instructions
- Set Up Kitchen And Oven
- Put rack in middle, heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover baking sheet with parchment. Arrange three shallow dishes for breading. Crush cornflakes to 1-2mm pieces.
- Mix Your Awesome Coating
- Stir cornflake bits with Parmesan and spices until well mixed. Keep at 65-70°F (18-21°C) so it sticks better. Try a bit to check the flavor balance.
- Nail The Breading Technique
- Wipe chicken totally dry. Dunk in spicy egg mix (65°F/18°C), let extra drip away. Roll in crumb mixture, gently pushing to stick. For extra crunch, coat twice, waiting 5 minutes between layers.
- Nail The Cooking Time
- Place chicken pieces 1 inch apart on your lined tray. Add a bit of olive oil on each piece. Cook 25 minutes until inside reaches 165°F (74°C) and outside turns golden.
- Whip Up Your Special Sauce
- Warm honey mix to 180°F (82°C) in a pot. Mix in spices bit by bit, tasting as you go. The sauce should flow off your spoon in thick streams.
- Put It All Together
- Let chicken sit 3-5 minutes after cooking. Pour hot honey sauce all over, sprinkle with fresh herbs. Eat right away while still super crunchy.
Round Out Your Dinner
This chicken tastes great with crispy sweet potato fries and a cool winter salad to balance things out. The hot-sweet sauce also works magic with roasted veggies or plain rice, making this dish work for pretty much any night of the week.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Put any leftover chicken in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, warm it in your oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch. Keep the sauce in a separate container and pour it over the warmed-up chicken for that just-made taste.
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Easy Cooking Variations
You can switch this recipe up however you want. Need gluten-free? Just grab some gluten-free cornflakes. Want it milder or spicier? Just change how much cayenne and hot sauce you use. The double coating trick makes sure you'll get that amazing crunch every time, so it's always a hit at parties or family dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make it less spicy?
Just cut down on the cayenne or skip it entirely. Reduce the hot sauce, and the honey will still shine without the heat.
- → Why choose cornflakes over breadcrumbs?
Cornflakes make for a crunchier coating that stays crispy even after adding the sauce, unlike standard breadcrumbs.
- → Can I prep this meal ahead?
Yes, coat the chicken and keep it in the fridge. Wait to make the sauce until right before serving so it tastes fresh and crisp.
- → Are chicken thighs a good substitute?
They work great! Just extend the cooking time as thighs need more time than tenders. Use a thermometer to check they’re cooked through.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For a crisp finish, reheat in the oven, not the microwave.