Description
A crispy, sweet, and spicy baked chicken recipe that’s family-friendly and healthier than frying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with customizable spice levels and versatile serving options.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6 cups cornflakes (crushed, gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1–3 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¾ tsp chipotle chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, cilantro, or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Coating
- Pulse cornflakes, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- Alternatively, crush cornflakes in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
-
Coat the Chicken
- Whisk eggs with hot sauce in a bowl, then toss chicken to coat.
- Dredge each piece in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere. Repeat for an extra crispy coating, if desired.
-
Bake the Chicken
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
-
Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth.
-
Finish and Serve
- Drizzle glaze over baked chicken and garnish with herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the cayenne and chili powders.
- For best results, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- To make ahead, coat chicken and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg