Ready for a dish that’s juicy, crunchy, and dripping with flavor? This Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce is baked to perfection in the oven, delivering a Nashville-inspired treat that’s easy to make at home. With a secret ingredient for an extra-crispy coating and a customizable hot honey sauce, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s become a favorite since our trip to Nashville. Let’s get cooking and bring some sweet-and-spicy magic to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken with an ultra-crispy cornflake coating.
- Sweet and spicy hot honey sauce you can tweak to your taste.
- Baked (not fried) for a lighter yet delicious result.
- Perfect for weeknights or gatherings with friends.
- Pairs wonderfully with pickles and your favorite sides.
Tools Needed
To make this Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Missing something? Visit Our Shop for top-quality gear to elevate your cooking game!
- Baking tray: For evenly crisping the chicken (Serious Eats reviews top baking sheets).
- Mixing bowls: Three bowls for the dredging process.
- Whisk: To blend the eggs smoothly.
- Small saucepan: For crafting the hot honey sauce.
- Knife and cutting board: To slice the chicken breasts.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce:
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 8 steaks
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups (150g) cornflakes, crushed
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup (180ml) honey
- 3 tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce:
- Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 8 thin steaks.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 3 tbsp oil.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken steak in the flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with cornflakes. Place on a baking tray.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot pepper sauce, butter, smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the butter melts, then remove from heat.
- Assemble: Pile the crispy chicken on a platter, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce
- Crush cornflakes finely: A food processor or rolling pin works great for texture.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or less hot sauce to suit your spice level.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the tray: Space the chicken for even crisping.
- Skipping the oil in cornflakes: It’s key for that golden crunch.
- Overcooking: Watch the time to keep the chicken juicy.
Variations
Switch up your Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce with these ideas:
- Use panko instead of cornflakes for a different crunch.
- Swap cayenne for chili flakes for a milder heat.
- Serve over waffles for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat.
FAQs
- Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. - What if I don’t have hot pepper sauce?
Mix sriracha or chili sauce with a pinch of vinegar. - Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to a week and reheat gently. - How do I keep the coating crispy?
Avoid piling sauce on until serving. - Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely, adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken with Hot Honey Sauce brings Nashville vibes right to your kitchen—crisp, juicy, and dripping with sweet-spicy goodness. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a staple. Try it out, and grab your cooking essentials at Our Shop for more delicious adventures!
