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This Oven Fried Chicken is a slightly healthier, and much easier, take on the famous Nashville Hot Chicken. Breaded in corn flakes, oven baked, and finished with a beyond perfect sweet and spicy honey butter sauce, this is a chicken dinner that’s sure to be loved by all!
So you guys, those sentences up there above this first photo? I know, they’re so cheesy, but let me explain some things about the food blogging world that others might not tell you. There’s this thing called SEO, and then there are your Google rankings. I will not get into details about what these really mean, because if I’m being honest, I’m still trying to figure them out in full myself.
Basically, all you need to know is that there is a certain way Google would like me to write out my blog post every single day. Yes, Google ranks how I write my blog, and yes, it’s annoying. So, why do I even care what Google thinks you ask? Well, it’s simple, I really want to share my recipes with as many of you as possible. I work so hard to create new and exciting recipes day in and out, and I want anyone who might be interested in finding them to see them.
When you search in Google, it’s Google who decides what shows up front and center. And you know how you get on Google’s good side? You listen to them, and write your blog post in a very straight forward, kind of boring, and impersonal way. It’s not that cool, and that’s just the truth.
What does all this mean? Well, it just means that sometimes I have to write some cheesy things within the post to stay on Google’s good side. Google would also prefer I limit my story telling. As you might guess, I’m not going to do that. I think one of the things that makes HBH unique is my stories, and how they connect to my recipes. I don’t want to lose that just because Google says I should.
Over the years I’ve learned that you just have to be YOU, and stick to what works for YOU. So I’m listening to Google to a point, but at the same time, I’m sticking with my own personal style. It’s all about balance, right?
I certainly think so…obviously.
Alright, my ranting is now done. Let’s chat about this chicken.
You guys might not know this, but I actually find cooking chicken to be a little boring, so when I do cook with chicken, I have to make sure it’s extra flavorful and delicious. Kind of like the way I do up my salads.
When my brother, Creighton was in town last week, I knew I needed a good chicken recipe to serve him. The man loves himself some fried chicken, so I thought I would throw him a curve ball and turn one of his favorite greasy foods into a healthier recipe that he’d love all the same.
Enter this southern fried hot honey chicken.
I swear, this is just as good as fried chicken. Bold, but it’s true.
The key is to soak the chicken in a little buttermilk before breading. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding flavor at the same time. From here, you’ll bread the chicken in crushed corn flakes seasoned with herbs, and then oven bake. It’s pretty simple and straight forward.
The flavor is all in the hot honey sauce. Oh this sauce, it’s genuinely just so good.
The sauce was inspired by the famous Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s spicy, but balanced with a touch of sweetness. The classic way to add sweetness to this spicy sauce is with brown sugar, but you guys know I prefer using honey whenever I get the chance, so I made a few swaps and came out with one of my favorite sauces to date.
As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, brush the hot honey over the warm chicken and allow it to soak into the crunchy coating. Then eat.
It. Is. SO. GOOD.
And I swear, you can’t even tell it’s not fried.
When I finally had the chicken perfected, I sent the leftovers home with my brother knowing he’d love them. Thing is, you can’t trust brothers to do anything because the chicken somehow managed to get burnt in the oven while re-heating. Either he burned it or my dad did, the stories are unclear, but either way, no one got any of this delicious chicken…well at least not the way it was intended to be eaten.
YES. Totally serious. My family everyone. I love um, but man they cannot cook.
Oh well, bottom line is that this chicken is delicious and you really need to give it a try. Today, tomorrow, this weekend, or maybe even this summer. This chicken would be perfect for warm picnics and summer parties.
Or how about all of the above?
If you make this Oven Fried Chicken and love it, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love, love, love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this chicken, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! I love looking at the photos of recipes you all have made. It makes my day!
Watch the How To Video:
Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 651 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs (you can use skin on or off, but I used skin off)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 cups finely crushed corn flakes
- 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
Hot Honey
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt
Instructions
- 1. Add the chicken to a gallon size zip top bag. Pour the buttermilk and salt over the chicken. Toss well, cover and refrigerate 20 minutes or overnight.2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.3. Add the corn flake crumbs, flour, thyme, and a pinch of salt to a medium sized bowl. Stir to combine.4. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, and dredge through the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken has been used. Make sure not to crowd your pan, if necessary use two baking sheets. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip the chicken over and continue cooking another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. If using thighs, you may need to cook the chicken a little longer 5. Meanwhile, make the hot honey. Melt together the butter, honey, cayenne, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. 5. Brush or drizzle the chicken generously with hot honey and serve warm Enjoy!
Sounds good to me.
This post was originally published on May 2, 2018
Made this last night for the game as sliders. Toasted slider buns, added some thyme mayo and pickles–delicious!!! My husband was so happy to have “fried” chicken and the hot and honey sauce was great (I used slightly less cayenne than called for). A keeper!
Thank you so much!
Looks delicious what would you recommend for side dishes?
Hi Debra! Rice, potatoes or salad would be amazing with this recipe! Thank you so much!
Any suggestions on making this with chicken tenders. Was thinking of doing for the big game tomorrow!
Hey Tara! Chicken tenders will work great! No adjustments need to be made. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This chicken is fantastic. The flavor is so powerful and serves perfect over some curly sweet potatoe fries. With extra sauce drizzled on top of course.
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. I try to make one a week. Spicy Ramon bowl is on this weekends menu:)
I am so glad you have been loving my recipes, Kim! Thank you so much!
Wow, wow, wow!! Just made these tonight and they far surpassed my expectations. I thought the picture looked delicious and the recipe sounded pretty easy, but I rarely get a good result with oven baked chicken. This recipe changed my mind. The chicken was incredibly tender with a delicate crunchy coating. The butter/spiced honey sauce is to die for. I did use boneless, skinless thighs and I used a combination of jalapeño honey I made myself and regular honey. I then adjusted the cayenne pepper. Used two additional TBLS of honey and cut butter to 5 TBLS. Fantastic recipe and husband loved it! Served with a creamy lime dressing coleslaw and fries. Thank you for this recipe? Also, used Panko bread crumbs because I didn’t have corn flakes.
I am so glad this turned out amazing for you, Michele! Thank you so much!
Sounds amazing! One question, with the sauce you say drizzle or brush on after it’s baked. Do you find it gets soggy with that?
Hi! I don’t have any issues with the chicken becoming soggy. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this tonight and it was so good! Will definitely be making I again!!
Thank you so much Audrey! I am so glad you loved this!
SO DELICIOUS!!! My husband said it’s his top five fave dishes.
Can’t wait to make it again.
That is so amazing! I am so glad you loved this recipe, Frankie!
I’ve been wanting to make this for months and finally got it done today. One word: Yummo! Can’t wait until tomorrow to have leftovers for lunch.
I am so glad you loved this Kati! Thank you so much!
I made this tonight. It was fantastic! His will be in regular roatstion for picnics and potlucks. Thank you!!!!
I am so glad you loved this! Thank you!
Ermahgawd!
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Would this work without the cayenne (for my kids)? Thinking of taking this to Super Bowl party!
Hey Marissa! I am sure this will be great minus the cayenne and perfect for kids! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
This looks amazing! Any advice on a vegetarian version? I’m thinking to give it a go with cauliflower.. anyways, love your recipes so much!
Hey Sophia! Many have made this with cauliflower and really enjoyed it. Sounds like such a great idea! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Did you cube the chicken first or bake it in full breasts or strips?
HI Caroline, the chicken should be left whole. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Hi! Made this tonight for ny family 🙂 Just wondering if you can give me a tip on ehatvto do with left over chicken. Do you just keep in the refrigerator for a few days or re-use it in a different recipe. Thanks so much! Annie
Thank you Annie!