Appetizer & Dessert

Simple Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Hearty Food Ideas

Name: Simple Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Hearty Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 pounds chicken breast tenders; 2 large eggs, whisked; 2 tablespoons spicy hot sauce; 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese; 6 cups gluten-free cornflakes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion granules; 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules; extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Sweet & Spicy Honey Sauce; 1/2 cup pure honey; 2-3 tablespoons fiery hot sauce; 1-3 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper; 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; sea salt, to taste; fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

Glennis Annis April 11, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When I think of a dish that brings the heat and sweetness together, simple hot honey chicken immediately comes to mind. It’s mouthwatering and has a talent for turning any ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Now, you might wonder what could elevate this dish even further. Well, let me tell you! Pair it with a chilled cucumber salad or a crisp coleslaw to cut through the spice.

Perhaps a side of fluffy jasmine rice or roasted veggies would complement those flavors splendidly too. Add a drizzle of extra hot honey over the plate, and you’ll have a culinary masterpiece.

What is Simple Hot Honey Chicken?

At its core, simple hot honey chicken combines juicy chicken tenders with a crunchy coating and a sweet yet spicy honey sauce. The chicken is coated in a mixture of cornflakes and savory spices before being baked or fried until golden brown.

Then, it’s finished with a drizzle of hot honey, which gives it that irresistible kick.

This dish is quick to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already.

The combination of textures—the crispiness of the coating and the tenderness of the chicken—along with the flavor contrast between sweet and spicy, makes it a memorable meal.

How Does It Taste?

Picture this: you take a bite, and the crunch gives way to tender, juicy chicken. Then, the heat from the honey sauce pours in, mingling with the sweetness to create a satisfying explosion of flavors in your mouth.

There’s a beautiful balance here—the sweetness of the honey tames the fire from the hot sauce, creating a harmony that lingers pleasantly after each bite. It’s a taste that beckons you to keep going back for more.

Why You’ll Love This?

First, the versatility. You can serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Secondly, the ease of preparation. With just a few steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a top-tier restaurant kitchen.

Finally, the flavors. Honestly, who doesn’t love that sweet-spicy combo? It can make any day feel special. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a feast that will have everyone raving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this simple hot honey chicken:

Chicken and Coating:

1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 pounds chicken breast tenders
2 large eggs, whisked
2 tablespoons spicy hot sauce
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
6 cups gluten-free cornflakes (or regular cornflakes if preferred)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon onion granules
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Sweet & Spicy Honey Sauce

1/2 cup pure honey
2-3 tablespoons fiery hot sauce
1-3 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
sea salt, to taste
fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your chicken tenders are patted dry. This is such a vital step because moisture can make them soggy instead of crispy. You want each piece dry and ready to absorb all the flavors.

Step 2: Create the Coating

In a large bowl, mix the cornflakes, smoked paprika, onion granules, and garlic granules. Crush the cornflakes a bit—it’s fun and provides a fantastic crunch. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, lime juice, and spicy hot sauce until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dunk each chicken tender in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then, roll the tender in the cornflake mixture. Make sure to press firmly to ensure the coating sticks. Lay the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to encourage browning.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to get golden brown and reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, mix up your sweet and spicy honey sauce. In a bowl, combine the honey, fiery hot sauce, ground cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 6: Toss & Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, toss the chicken in the hot honey sauce. Make sure each tender is glazed with that sweet heat. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Tips on Making Simple Hot Honey Chicken

Use Fresh Ingredients: It’s astonishing how fresh spices can change the flavor profile. Fresh spices pack a punch, so consider investing in good quality.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re super sensitive to heat, ease back on cayenne pepper. You can always add more hot sauce at the end.
Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Double the Sauce: If you’re a fan of drenching your chicken, consider making double the sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling on rice or veggies.
Experiment with Honey Types: Different honey varieties can lend unique flavors. Consider clover or wildflower honey for a twist.

How Do You Store This Simple Hot Honey Chicken?

Storing hot honey chicken is pretty easy. After it cools, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick trip to the oven will help re-crisp the coating.

If you’ve got a bunch, you can freeze the chicken. Lay it out in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag once frozen (this prevents clumping).

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Simple Hot Honey Chicken?

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some substitutes for the ingredients:

Chicken Tenders: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs will add more moisture. They can be juicier than tenders.
Gluten-Free Cornflakes: Try Panko Breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch or Crushed Almonds for a nutty twist.
Spicy Hot Sauce: Consider Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
Honey: Agave Nectar can be a good alternative. It’s less thick with a mild sweetness.
Eggs: For an egg-free option, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

Conclusion

Simple hot honey chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It combines spice, sweetness, and crunch in a way that makes you linger over each bite, savoring the flavors.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and a meal that can easily turn into an everyday staple in your kitchen.

So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful culinary journey.

You might just find yourself wanting to make it again and again. Don’t forget to grab a friend or family member to share this out-of-this-world dish. Cooking is best when enjoyed together!

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Print Recipe

Simple Hot Honey Chicken Recipe – Hearty Food Ideas

Author: Glennis Annis Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 403 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Have you ever had a moment where a dish just speaks to you?

That’s how I feel about simple hot honey chicken. The crunch of the coating, the juiciness of the chicken, all topped with that sweet heat—it’s a dance on your taste buds.

This dish doesn't just satisfy hunger; it brings joy, comfort, and a little warmth to your day.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the taste but in its simplicity. Whether you're preparing a family meal or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish shines in every setting.

As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve spent years crafting and fine-tuning recipes to meet every palate, making this hot honey chicken a prominent favorite.

Let's dive into everything you need to know about making it, tasting it, and loving every bite.