Hot Honey Chicken (Crispy and Sweet with a Spicy Kick!)

Craving a meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying? Hot Honey Chicken is here to light up your taste buds and transform your dinner game. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavors that’s sure to impress.

Picture crispy, golden chicken drizzled with a luscious honey glaze that carries just the right kick of heat. It’s a harmony of sweet and spicy that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish feels fancy but is so easy to make.

What’s the best part? You can tweak the heat to match your spice tolerance. Serve it with fluffy rice, roasted veggies, or even on its own for a finger-licking feast. Trust us, once you try it, Hot Honey Chicken will become your go-to recipe.

Ready to bring this sweet-and-spicy delight to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe and make magic happen. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and sticky hot honey sauce creates a tantalizing harmony of sweet and spicy.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the heat to suit your spice tolerance and experiment with serving options.
Perfectly Crispy: Thanks to a cornflake coating, every bite is incredibly crunchy and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings or family dinners.

Required Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowls
Baking tray or skillet
Meat mallet (optional, for even chicken thickness)
Tongs
Whisk
Pastry brush

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts (about 700g/1.5 lbs total)
90g (¾ cup) plain flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 eggs, whisked
150g (5 cups) cornflakes, crushed (measured before crushing)
3 tbsp neutral oil (I recommend avocado or rapeseed oil)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

180 ml (½ cup) runny honey
3 tbsp hot pepper sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
½ tsp garlic powder

Optional for Serving:

Maldon salt flakes
Pickled gherkins

Variations for Hot Honey Chicken

Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter sauce.
Bite-Sized Goodness: Cut the chicken into tenders or nuggets for easy snacking.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour and cornflakes for gluten-free alternatives.
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for an herbal finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.

2. Set Up the Coating Station

Place the flour mixture in one shallow bowl.
Whisk the eggs in another bowl.
Crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs and place them in a third bowl.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then into the whisked eggs, and finally into the crushed cornflakes. Press the cornflakes onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

4. Cook the Chicken

Oven Directions:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle with oil.
Place the coated chicken on the tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F).

Stovetop Directions:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Reduce heat if necessary to avoid burning.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F).

5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot pepper sauce, butter, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and heated through.

6. Glaze the Chicken

Brush the hot honey sauce generously over the cooked chicken, ensuring every inch is coated.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken

Hot Honey Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
Slice and toss into a salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Use as a sandwich filling with coleslaw and pickles for a satisfying crunch.

Storing Hot Honey Chicken

Cooked Chicken: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Hot Honey Sauce: Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. Warm gently before using.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	390
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	14g
Fiber	2g

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating for a quick meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.

Hot Honey Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully for this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I make this kid-friendly?

Reduce or skip the cayenne pepper for a milder version.

Can I air fry the chicken?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.