Summer calls for bold, easy meals that bring everyone to the table. Chef John Usher’s Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy crunch, spicy heat, and sweet honey glaze — all baked, not fried, for a lighter yet indulgent meal.
Try this recipe for your next backyard BBQ or weeknight dinner — no reservation required!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 cups corn flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 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
- Olive oil for drizzling
For the Hot Honey:
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ¾ tsp chipotle chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Sea salt to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until you get fine crumbs.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix in hot sauce. Add chicken and toss to coat.
- Dredge chicken in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden.
- While the chicken is baking, make the hot honey: combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot and warm over low heat.
- Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle with warm hot honey and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
👨🍳 About Chef John Usher, Executive Chef at The Ingleside Hotel
With over 20 years of culinary and hospitality experience, Chef John Usher brings passion, precision, and creativity to every plate. As an award-winning chef recognized by the American Culinary Federation, Chef John has built a career that blends local roots with global influences, delivering memorable dining experiences time and again.
Chef John's philosophy is rooted in creating food that’s both on-trend and approachable. His dedication to quality and flavor is what keeps guests coming back — and inspires dishes like the one above.