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Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Enjoy tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, then oven-baked to golden perfection at 425°F. The chicken bathes in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture before breading, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat. A quick stovetop blend of honey and chili flakes creates a sweet-heat drizzle, finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste, and serve alongside crisp coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. The combination of textures and the play of sweet and spicy flavors make this dish a dinner time favorite.

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A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:07:34 GMT
A plate of hot honey chicken. Pin
A plate of hot honey chicken. | mellierecipes.com

Sweet spicy and satisfyingly crispy Hot Honey Chicken is my go to when I want comfort food with a kick. With juicy chicken thighs coated in crunchy golden cornflakes and finished with warm spicy honey this dinner is pure fun and flavor and has converted even the picky eaters in my house

I made this after craving takeout but wanting something homemade and healthier. It instantly became our Friday night treat especially with an easy salad alongside

Ingredients

  • Corn flakes: Give unbeatable crunch and toastiness Use fresh not stale flakes for best bite
  • Smoked paprika: Brings smoky undertones The Spanish variety gives strongest flavor
  • Garlic powder: Gives mellow savory notes Go for a fine powder for even mixing
  • Onion powder: Deepens the flavor Select fragrant fresh powder for best result
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning Brightens all other flavors
  • Eggs: Act as binder for the coating Use large eggs at room temperature
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes and flavors the chicken Real buttermilk is best but a milk lemon juice mix works in a pinch
  • Hot sauce: Adds zing The thicker the sauce the higher the heat
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and quick cooking Choose evenly sized pieces for even baking
  • Honey: The base of the hot honey Use a robust wildflower honey for richest results
  • Chili flakes: Packs in real heat Seek out red pepper flakes for vibrant color
  • Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness with a gentle tang Cloudy unfiltered vinegar offers most complexity

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Sheet:
Preheat oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
Crush the Cornflakes:
Place corn flakes in a plastic bag Crush with a rolling pin to coarse crumbs For extra crunch leave some larger pieces
Mix Coating and Wet Dredge:
In one bowl combine crushed cornflakes smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder and salt In another bowl whisk together eggs buttermilk and hot sauce until smooth
Dredge the Chicken:
Add chicken thighs to the wet mixture Toss to coat each piece well Let soak for a few minutes so coating sticks
Coat with Cornflake Mixture:
Dredge each chicken thigh in the cornflake mix Press to adhere crumbs firmly Lay pieces spaced apart on prepared sheet
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for twenty five minutes or until chicken reads one hundred sixty five degrees in the thickest part The coating will be deep golden and super crisp
Make and Infuse the Hot Honey:
Combine honey and chili flakes in a small saucepan Heat to a gentle boil over medium Whisk constantly then remove from heat and stir in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar Let flavors infuse for ten minutes
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle hot honey over chicken Serve right away while the coating is still crunchy and honey is warm
A plate of fried chicken with honey drizzled over it. Pin
A plate of fried chicken with honey drizzled over it. | mellierecipes.com

I absolutely love smoked paprika in this dish because it pairs so well with honey and spice Every time I make this the kitchen fills with the best smoky sweet aroma and the first drizzle of hot honey always gets kids running to the table

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place in a hot oven for five to ten minutes to reclaim crispiness Avoid reheating in the microwave as it will soften the crust

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of buttermilk simply mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let stand five minutes For chicken breast cut them to even thickness and reduce baking time Cornflakes can be swapped with gluten free panko for a different crunch

Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Chicken deserves simple sides like tangy coleslaw or roasted sweet potatoes For extra heat offer extra chili flakes on the side The hot honey is also delicious drizzled over cornbread

A plate of fried chicken with a honey glaze. Pin
A plate of fried chicken with a honey glaze. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural Context

Hot honey is inspired by Southern American cuisine where sweet spicy and crunchy often meet Fried chicken glazed with honey or hot sauce has deep roots The cornflake coating brings a nostalgic twist that makes this recipe modern and easy

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the coating crispy?

Crush the cornflakes coarsely for extra crunch, and bake the chicken on a wire rack or parchment-lined sheet to promote airflow and crispiness.

→ Can I adjust how spicy the honey is?

Yes, adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the honey drizzle to increase or decrease spice to your liking.

→ What sides pair well with hot honey chicken?

Fresh coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement the dish's flavors nicely.

→ What cut of chicken can I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs deliver juicy results, but chicken breasts or drumsticks may also be used with adjusted baking times.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Bake until a thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken for safe, tender results.

Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

Crispy cornflake chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, perfect for quick, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
40 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ For the Chicken

01 5 cups corn flakes
02 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
03 0.5 tablespoon garlic powder
04 0.5 tablespoon onion powder
05 2 teaspoons salt
06 2 large eggs
07 1 cup buttermilk
08 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce
09 900 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ For the Hot Honey Sauce

10 180 millilitres honey
11 1.5 tablespoons chili flakes
12 1 teaspoon hot sauce
13 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Place corn flakes into a sealed plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin to desired coarseness.

Step 03

In one bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.

Step 04

Add chicken thighs to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Dredge each thigh in the corn flake mixture, ensuring an even layer. Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Bake for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 74°C. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Step 06

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey and chili flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar. Allow to infuse for 10 minutes.

Step 07

Drizzle warm hot honey sauce over the baked chicken and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. For increased crunch, crush the cornflakes less finely.
  2. Control the heat level by adjusting the quantity of hot sauce.
  3. This pairs well with coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

Tools Required

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Rolling pin

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains dairy (buttermilk).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 512
  • Fat Content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 46.5 grams
  • Protein Content: 45 grams