Name: Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 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; ¾ cup honey; 1½ tablespoons chili flakes; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Hot Honey Chicken combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Juicy chicken thighs coated with a crispy cornflake crust are baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a delectable hot honey glaze. A healthier take on Nashville’s classic hot chicken, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

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 oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin.
Season and Coat:
- In a bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- Dip chicken thighs into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the cornflake mixture.
Bake:
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until 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.
- Optionally, pair with Southern-style 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 an irresistible crunch with a bold sweet-spicy glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings!

Hot Honey Chicken: A Bold Fusion of Sweet and Spicy

Hot Honey Chicken has quickly gained popularity as a tantalizing dish that combines the bold sweetness of honey with the fiery kick of chili. This recipe takes inspiration from the iconic Nashville hot chicken, a dish celebrated for its mouthwatering spiciness, and adds a contemporary twist by baking the chicken instead of frying. This modification not only makes it a healthier choice but also highlights the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will captivate any palate.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a comforting family meal, or looking for a standout recipe to spice up your weekly dinner routine, Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that impresses with its vibrant flavors and simplicity.

A Healthier Spin on Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken is known for its fiery heat and indulgent deep-fried crunch. While undeniably delicious, traditional versions can be heavy and calorie-dense. This recipe provides a lighter alternative by utilizing the oven for a baked finish, reducing the amount of oil without compromising the crispy exterior.

The crispy coating, made from crushed cornflakes, creates a golden crust that rivals the crunch of deep-fried chicken. Combined with the sticky-sweet hot honey glaze, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors and textures that feel indulgent without being over-the-top.

The Star Ingredients

Hot Honey Chicken thrives on its simplicity, relying on everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. Cornflakes, a pantry staple, are transformed into a golden crust with the addition of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices enhance the flavor profile with smoky and savory undertones.

The hot honey sauce is another highlight, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. By infusing honey with chili flakes, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar, the glaze achieves a dynamic depth of flavor. The result is a dish that’s as exciting to eat as it is to prepare.

The Cooking Technique

The key to achieving the ideal crunch lies in the preparation and baking method. The chicken thighs are first dipped in a buttermilk-based batter, which not only helps the cornflake coating adhere evenly but also tenderizes the chicken. The baking process locks in the juiciness of the meat while crisping the outer layer to golden perfection.

Using parchment paper on the baking sheet ensures the chicken doesn’t stick, and a high baking temperature helps mimic the results of frying without the added fat. The technique is straightforward, making this recipe accessible even for novice cooks.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into various dining scenarios:

Weeknight Dinners: The quick preparation time of just 35 minutes makes it ideal for busy evenings. It’s a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Gatherings and Parties: The bold flavors and eye-catching golden crust make it a crowd-pleaser at social events. Serve it as the centerpiece of a meal or as part of a buffet spread with Southern-inspired sides like cornbread or mashed potatoes.
Game Day Favorites: Elevate your game day menu with Hot Honey Chicken. Its crispy, flavorful coating and sticky glaze are sure to impress guests, making it an exciting alternative to traditional wings or tenders.

Nutritional Advantages

This baked variation of Hot Honey Chicken is not just flavorful but also offers nutritional benefits:

Lower Fat Content: Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content, making it a healthier option for indulgent cravings.
Protein-Rich: The chicken thighs provide a high-protein base, perfect for satisfying hunger and supporting muscle health.
Balanced Carbohydrates: The cornflake crust and honey glaze add carbohydrates, which provide energy while maintaining a balanced nutritional profile.

The Allure of Sweet and Spicy

One of the most compelling aspects of this dish is its masterful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The hot honey glaze is the hero here, offering a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. The honey’s natural sweetness tempers the heat from the chili flakes, creating a harmonious blend that lingers on the palate without overwhelming it.

This balance ensures the dish appeals to a wide range of tastes. For those who prefer a milder heat, the spice levels can easily be adjusted by reducing the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes. Conversely, spice enthusiasts can amp up the heat for a bolder kick.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Chicken is a versatile main dish that pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

Southern Classics: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, or collard greens for a hearty, comforting meal.
Light and Fresh: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Twists: Use the chicken as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or tacos, topped with slaw for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken exemplifies the art of combining bold flavors with healthier cooking techniques. Its crispy cornflake crust and sticky, spicy-sweet glaze deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. The dish’s versatility makes it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Whether you’re a fan of Nashville hot chicken or simply love experimenting with dynamic flavors, this recipe offers an irresistible option that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Hot Honey Chicken proves that comfort food can be indulgent, wholesome, and utterly unforgettable.