Description
Baked Crunchy Honey Chicken is a deliciously crispy yet tender chicken dish coated in a sweet honey glaze. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden crust without frying, this recipe combines the satisfying crunch of breaded chicken with a sticky, flavorful honey sauce, making it a healthy and tasty meal option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare breading station: Set out three shallow bowls—one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of panko bread crumbs and crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko-cornflake mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to adhere well.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Make the honey sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and optional chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush honey sauce: About 5 minutes before the chicken is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops of the chicken breasts generously with the honey sauce.
- Return to oven: Return the chicken to the oven for the remaining bake time to allow the sauce to glaze and caramelize slightly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite sides and drizzle any extra honey sauce on top.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use crushed cornflakes mixed with panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Resting the chicken a few minutes before serving helps keep it juicy.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful result but adjust baking time accordingly.
