When you’re craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken but want to keep it light and oven-baked, this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is your golden ticket. It’s everything you love about baked chicken tenders—crunchy, juicy, and seasoned just right—but with a spicy honey glaze that brings the heat and the sweet in every bite.

Perfect for a family dinner, game day snack, or when you’re just in the mood for something bold and satisfying, this crunchy chicken recipe delivers on all fronts. And let’s be real—the hot honey drizzle? It’s what dreams are made of.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken

Crispy cornflake coating without deep frying
Spicy honey glaze that hits all the right notes
Kid-friendly (just adjust the spice!) and crowd-pleasing
An easy twist on baked chicken tenders with serious flavor

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 cups (150 g) cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp hot sauce
900 g (2 lbs) chicken breast tenderloins
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

For the Hot Honey:

120 ml (½ cup) honey
2–3 tbsp hot sauce
1–3 tsp cayenne pepper
¾ tsp chipotle chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Sea salt to taste
Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

How to Make Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating: In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until crumbly. Pour into a shallow bowl.
Dredge the Chicken: In another bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce. Toss chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture to coat. Then dredge in the cornflake mixture to coat completely. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and crumb process.
Bake the Chicken: Place coated tenders on the baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Make the Hot Honey: While the chicken bakes, warm honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir well and heat gently—don’t boil.
Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey over the crispy chicken tenders. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Tips for the Crunchiest Chicken

Crush your cornflakes finely, but don’t turn them to dust—leave some texture.
Double-dipping gives you that extra-thick, crunchy shell.
Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle—it helps crisp things up in the oven.
Adjust the heat level in the honey glaze to suit your spice tolerance.

Olivia’s Take: A Sweet Heat Favourite

This recipe came to life during one of those “let’s try something fun” nights in my kitchen. I had leftover cornflakes, some honey that needed using, and my kids were craving chicken tenders. The result? A spicy-sweet miracle. My husband called it “the best chicken I’ve ever made.” Now it’s our go-to when we want to spice things up—literally.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken

Pair this spicy baked chicken with a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or creamy mac and cheese. It’s also great with coleslaw or over a waffle if you want to go full brunch mode. And don’t forget extra napkins—this dish gets delightfully sticky.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool the chicken completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain that crunch. Store leftover hot honey separately and drizzle after reheating for best results.

FAQs About Baked Hot Honey Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?

Yes, just slice them into strips for even cooking.

Is it spicy?

It can be! Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to your liking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free cornflakes and double-check your other ingredients.

Can I air fry instead?

Absolutely—cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Irresistible

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is everything you love about classic tenders—crunchy, juicy, flavorful—with an unforgettable kick. From family dinners to game day snacks, it’s a spicy-sweet sensation you’ll crave again and again.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.