Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken

Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish that combines oven-baked, cornflake-coated chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey buffalo sauce. With no deep frying required, this recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional buffalo chicken—perfect for dinner, game day, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy texture without deep frying
• Sweet and spicy flavor combination
• Baked, not fried—healthier and easier to clean up
• Great for meal prep, sandwiches, or salads
• Family-friendly and customizable

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cornflakes, crushed
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Butter
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Chipotle chili powder (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the coating: In a food processor or by hand, crush cornflakes into fine crumbs. Mix with Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Prepare egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and mix with 1–2 tablespoons of hot sauce.
4. Coat chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then press into the cornflake coating until fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Lightly drizzle chicken with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Make the honey buffalo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in hot sauce, honey, chipotle powder, and cayenne. Simmer until combined and slightly thickened.
7. Toss and serve: Toss baked chicken in the sauce or drizzle on top. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and a side of ranch or blue cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use gluten-free cornflakes for a gluten-free version
• Swap out chicken for cauliflower for a vegetarian take
• Add more hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat
• Serve on buns for spicy chicken sandwiches
• Try different cheeses in the coating for flavor variations

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness
• Freezing: Freeze baked, un-sauced chicken for up to 2 months; bake from frozen and toss in fresh sauce before serving

FAQs

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

Yes, but making it from scratch lets you control the sweetness and heat level.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs tend to be juicier.

How do I make this less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne and use a mild hot sauce.

Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes! Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with celery sticks, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a green salad.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

How do I keep the coating crunchy?

Bake at high heat and drizzle (don’t soak) the chicken with olive oil before baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and omit Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I do with leftovers?

Use them in wraps, salads, or spicy chicken sliders.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Just reduce the hot sauce and omit the cayenne for a milder version.

Conclusion

Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together bold buffalo flavors and crispy texture—without the need for frying. It’s an easy, oven-baked meal that’s sure to become a favorite whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese for dipping.

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