This Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornflake crust. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a hot honey glaze, it’s a healthier, flavorful twist on Nashville’s classic hot chicken. Whether paired with Southern-style sides or enjoyed as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin.
- Season and Coat:
- Mix crushed cornflakes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Dip chicken thighs in the egg mixture, then coat them evenly in the cornflake mixture.
- Bake:
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey and chili flakes.
- Bring to a light boil, then stir in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken before serving.
- Optionally, serve with Southern sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Protein: High (from chicken thighs)
- Carbohydrates: Moderate (from cornflakes and honey)
- Fat: Low (compared to fried chicken)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This recipe offers a bold and crispy alternative to traditional fried chicken, paired with the unique flavor of spicy honey. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Hot Honey Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Culinary Delight
If you’re a fan of bold flavors that strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, this Hot Honey Chicken recipe is sure to win you over. Featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornflake crust, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a tantalizing hot honey glaze, this dish is a healthier, oven-baked take on the Southern classic, Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s a versatile recipe that can stand alone or be paired with traditional sides, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep.
A Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken
One of the standout aspects of this recipe is its healthier approach to achieving that coveted crunch and flavor. While traditional Nashville Hot Chicken relies on deep frying, this version uses a cornflake crust for an irresistible crunch without the excess oil. The chicken is baked at a high temperature, ensuring it’s crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. The result is a dish that satisfies cravings for fried chicken while being significantly lighter and more nutritious.
The Star Ingredients: Cornflakes and Hot Honey
What makes this recipe unique is its use of cornflakes for the coating and the hot honey glaze. The crushed cornflakes create a crispy, golden crust that adheres perfectly to the chicken, locking in moisture while delivering a satisfying crunch. The addition of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder infuses the coating with a smoky, savory depth that complements the sweetness of the honey.
The hot honey sauce is where the magic happens. By combining honey with chili flakes, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar, this glaze offers a dynamic blend of sweet heat and tangy brightness. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used beyond this recipe—try it drizzled over roasted vegetables, as a dip for chicken tenders, or even as a topping for biscuits or cornbread.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are the protein of choice in this recipe, and for good reason. They are naturally juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for baking. Their slightly higher fat content compared to chicken breasts ensures they stay tender and don’t dry out during the cooking process. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the marinade and spices beautifully.
Perfect Pairings for Hot Honey Chicken
While this dish is undoubtedly delicious on its own, pairing it with Southern-inspired sides elevates the meal to a new level. Here are some suggestions for complementary sides:
- Cornbread: The buttery, slightly sweet flavors of cornbread balance the spiciness of the hot honey glaze.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a cooling effect that balances the heat.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For a richer, indulgent pairing, creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing, healthy contrast.
Tips for Success
To make the most of this Hot Honey Chicken recipe, consider the following tips:
- Crushing the Cornflakes: Ensure the cornflakes are crushed to a fine but slightly textured consistency. This helps create an even coating that adheres well to the chicken.
- Using a Wire Rack: If you have a wire rack that fits inside your baking sheet, place the chicken on it to allow air circulation underneath. This promotes even crisping on all sides.
- Marinating the Chicken: For deeper flavor, let the chicken thighs soak in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for an hour or overnight.
- Monitoring Baking Time: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Overcooking can lead to dryness, while undercooking poses a food safety risk.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Tailor the heat level of the hot honey glaze by adjusting the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients; for extra heat, add more.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that fits seamlessly into various occasions. Its quick preparation time and crowd-pleasing flavors make it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. With minimal hands-on cooking required, it’s also a fantastic option for hosting friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
For meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe is a game-changer. The chicken retains its crunch and flavor even after reheating, making it ideal for packed lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply store the hot honey glaze separately and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.
The Appeal of Sweet and Spicy
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in this recipe is what sets it apart. The honey provides a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat from the chili flakes and hot sauce. This dynamic duo stimulates the palate, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also highly memorable. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a hit among both adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar comfort foods.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken is a modern twist on a Southern classic that’s as versatile as it is delicious. By combining juicy, crispy baked chicken thighs with a bold hot honey glaze, this recipe delivers an unforgettable culinary experience. Its balance of sweet and spicy, along with its healthier preparation method, makes it an ideal choice for those who want to indulge in comfort food without the guilt.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing meals for the week, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With its irresistible crunch, juicy interior, and dynamic flavors, Hot Honey Chicken is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Give it a try, and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen repertoire!
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Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornflake crust. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a hot honey glaze, it’s a healthier, flavorful twist on Nashville’s classic hot chicken. Whether paired with Southern-style sides or enjoyed as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 5 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin.
- Season and Coat:
- Mix crushed cornflakes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Dip chicken thighs in the egg mixture, then coat them evenly in the cornflake mixture.
- Bake:
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey and chili flakes.
- Bring to a light boil, then stir in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken before serving.
- Optionally, serve with Southern sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes