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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.
Outstanding in every way, crispy, tender. Went to a friends house for A birthday space and she fix this.
Hey Kay,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xx
HBH recipes have never failed me, this one included. I made this as directed- really good! The sauce is NEXT level! To those saying they have problems with the butter separating, I just microwaved the butter until melted, then stirred in the other ingredients. Worked really well. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes 🙂
Hey Meredith,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
WOW! This oven-fried chicken is absolutely amazing! I’m wishing I had made more of it for left-overs. I haven’t had much time to cook anything special but now that I’m retired, I thought I’d start – and starting with your recipes. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Can’t wait to try more dishes. This oven-fried chicken will definitely be made over and over again!
Hey Gabrielle,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed!! ?xTieghan
Hi Tiegan,
For a while now, it’s been tingling tastebuds and happy tummies all round in our house, thanks to your amazing recipes.
When this dish hit the table tonight, and once again, it was “mmmmm”s of delight all round, I had to drop you a comment, especially as I might slip into a chicken coma at any second ? ? ? ?
I’m gluten and lactose intolerant, so I tweak your recipes. For this one, I used soya yoghurt instead of buttermilk, gluten-free flour rather than whole wheat, and vegan spread in place of butter. It worked like a charm!
Thank you and keep the recipes coming – this family across the pond will be very happy. ??
Kate x
Hey Kate,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xxT
Omg! This was one of the best chicken recipes EVER! Love every recipe I have tried of yours. You are above and beyond any chef I have followed. The level of spice was perfect. I just sent this recipe to everyone of my girlfriends who love to cook! Thank you!
Hey Tracey,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
Delicious! My kids kept asking for more. I put them back in the over for like 2-3 minutes after drizzling with hot honey and it glazed them even more. Made with hasselback potatoes. Adding this to our rotation. Thank you!!
Hey Kels,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! xxT
One of our favorites but I do add a lot more honey.
Hi Kate,
Awesome!! Love to hear this recipe was a winner, thanks for making it. Have the best week:) xT
I can’t wait to try this. I love fried chicken! I think I’ll turn it into a sandwich and use your cilantro lime ranch recipe to top it with. Yum!
Hi Gayle,
Awesome! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
This recipe is so delicious! We make make sandwiches using this recipe by just adding pickles and brioche buns. So yummy!
Hey Roqi,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!? xxT
This is the best chicken recipe! We make it at least twice a month sometimes more. We make it if we are having family over for dinner and now those family members have all made it for friends because EVERYONE loves it.
I love so many of your recipes! Thanks for slicing up our meals. So nice to have delicious foods to try instead of the same boring things we were making.
Hey Sarah,
Happy Friday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks so much for making it and happy holidays!❄️ xTieghan
This chicken was just delicious. We love chicken and waffles but I don’t really make fried foods very often so I was thrilled to find this excellent recipe for oven fired chicken. I made homemade cheddar and chive waffles and used boneless skinless thighs for the chicken. I placed the waffle on the plate and sliced the nice crispychicken, placed it on top of the waffles and drizzled with lots of that amazing hot honey. I finished it off by sprinkling a little bit of fresh chives on top. The dish was a home run, whole family loved it, and I can’t wait to make it again.
Hi Betty,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe out, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hey there!
I only found you about three weeks ago and this has been the fourth recipe of yours that we’ve had at our dinner table.
Every single one of them has been FANTASTIC, especially this one for my ‘deep fried chicken’ loving husband. What a great healthier option and honestly, I think I’d choose this over deep fried!
Loved it!
Thank you so much for ALL the recipes!
Hi Bethany! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! ? xTieghan
This chicken is a great addition to the recipe box. We made pub style sandwiches with coleslaw. My son enjoyed it so much he said, “Put it in the rotation.” Thanks for the recipe.
Hey! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for trying it out and Happy Halloween! xTieghan
I love this recipe, I’ve made it once before with boneless skinless chicken thighs and it was a huge hit!
I wanted to ask if you have air fryer instructions for this?
Hey there! So glad you loved this recipe! Unfortunately I don’t have air fryer instructions, but I’m sure it would be delicious if made with one! xTieghan
Oh, this made great chicken sandwiches! I was surprised that none of the breading fell off and the chicken was extra crispy, because I’ve had that problem with other oven baked chicken recipes. I loved the spice of the hot honey and will probably add a bit more honey next time. My very picky family loved this dish!
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan