Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
2. Marinate Chicken in Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, place the chicken strips and pour buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Prepare the Coating

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the coating mixture, pressing to adhere.

Bake the Chicken

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Hot Honey

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Warm the Mixture: Heat over low until well combined and slightly warm, but not boiling.

Serve

1. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey, or serve the hot honey on the side for dipping.