Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. This recipe highlights tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy flour and cornflake mixture, baked to achieve a golden texture. The hot honey glaze, combining honey, hot sauce, and butter, introduces a sweet and spicy flavor. With clear preparation steps and ingredients, this dish is both simple and satisfying. To understand how to make this savory dish, it's essential to explore the details further.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When considering a delicious yet healthier option for dinner, many people find themselves drawn to this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken recipe.
This dish combines the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze, appealing to various taste preferences. It serves four people, making it ideal for family meals.
The preparation process is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and kitchen tools. By baking instead of frying, it reduces calories while maintaining flavor and texture.
This recipe not only pleases the palate but also offers a nutritious alternative, allowing families to enjoy a comforting meal without the guilt of deep-fried options.
History
The history of Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken can be traced back to the evolving culinary traditions that blend sweet and spicy flavors in various cultures.
This dish reflects influences from Southern cooking, where fried chicken is a staple, and the use of honey as a glaze.
Over time, the combination of heat from spices and sweetness from honey became popular in many cuisines.
As health trends emerged, baked versions of traditional fried dishes gained traction, leading to the creation of this recipe.
It represents a modern twist that allows for enjoyment without the extra calories from frying.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups seasoned cornflakes, crushed
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing a wire rack with cooking spray or oil and placing it on the sheet.
- Set up a breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed cornflakes in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ensure that your chicken breasts are thawed and ready. Take one chicken breast and dip it into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflakes, ensuring it is well-coated on all sides for maximum crunch.
- Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared wire rack, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking. Repeat the coating process for all chicken breasts.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze by mixing together honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the hot honey glaze generously over each piece while they are still hot. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving.
For an extra crispy texture, consider double-dipping the chicken in the egg and cornflakes for an additional layer of crunch.
Also, feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the cornflakes for added flavor, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Enjoy your Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with a variety of sides for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Final Thoughts
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeals to many.
This recipe not only provides a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken but also allows for easy preparation. Families can enjoy the crispy exterior paired with the sweet and spicy glaze.
The baking process ensures that the chicken remains juicy while achieving a satisfying crunch. It is versatile and pairs well with various sides, enhancing any meal.
FAQ
For those looking to create the perfect Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, questions may arise during the cooking process.
Common inquiries include how to achieve the ideal crunch and what to serve alongside the dish.
To ensure maximum crispiness, coat the chicken thoroughly in cornflakes and maintain space on the wire rack while baking.
For side options, consider coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Additionally, if adjusting the spiciness, varying the hot sauce in the glaze is recommended.
Lastly, always check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.