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Oven fried Southern hot honey chicken is my favorite trick for turning a comfort classic into a weeknight hero with a crunchy shell and sticky sweet heat. Every time I make this for friends or family, it vanishes fast and nobody guesses it is oven baked.
My family first tried this when I was still learning how to bake chicken without drying it out. That sweet spicy honey sauce totally won everyone over, and it is now the most-requested dish for Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose skin on for juiciness or skinless to keep it lighter
- Buttermilk: Classic for Southern chicken keeps meat tender and flavorful
- Kosher salt: Boosts the flavor in every stage
- Corn flakes: The secret to the crispiest coating and way less greasy than frying
- Whole wheat flour: Helps breading stick and adds a hint of nutty flavor
- Fresh thyme: Adds brightness and Southern charm use dried in a pinch but fresh is best
- Extra virgin olive oil: A light brushing delivers golden color without heaviness
- Butter: Essential for a rich honey sauce
- Honey: Brings sticky sweetness and builds the hot honey glaze
- Cayenne pepper, Chili powder, Smoked paprika, Garlic powder: Layered for complex heat and flavor try smoked paprika for depth
Tips for great results
- fresh thyme should look vibrant and perky not wilted
- use thick cut chicken pieces for juicier meat
- cornflakes should be super crisp never stale
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Slip your chicken pieces into a large zip top bag or bowl Pour over buttermilk and salt Massage together so every piece is coated and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes overnight works best for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Prep the Breading:
- In a medium bowl combine finely crushed corn flakes flour fresh chopped thyme and a little salt Give everything a good stir so thyme is spread throughout
- Bread the Chicken:
- Take chicken from marinade and let any extra buttermilk drip off Press each piece into your cornflake mix coating every bit evenly This is what builds that hearty crispy crust Place on a parchment lined baking sheet Leave a little space between pieces for proper browning
- Bake Until Crisp:
- Brush the tops of your chicken with olive oil Bake in a 425 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes Flip each piece gently so both sides get golden and bake another 10 minutes Chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked through Let thighs bake a few minutes longer than breasts if needed
- Make the Hot Honey:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat Stir in honey cayenne pepper chili powder smoked paprika garlic powder and a pinch of salt Let everything bubble gently for just a minute so the spices bloom Remove from heat
- Finish with Hot Honey:
- While the chicken is warm brush it generously with the hot honey sauce Make sure every nook is coated Serve with extra drizzle over the top
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The hot honey is my magic touch here I love using a bold local honey and extra thyme in the breading My little brother still talks about the first time he licked the spicy sweet glaze right off his fingers
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Re crisp in a hot oven for best texture instead of microwaving If you want to freeze lay the cooled chicken pieces on a tray to freeze then transfer to bags so they do not stick together Hot honey keeps in a jar in the fridge and is great on biscuits too
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out chicken thighs for breasts or use drumsticks if you love bone in Chicken tenders work perfectly for little kids No buttermilk No problem use enough plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk and a dash of lemon juice Fresh rosemary or parsley can sub for thyme if needed For gluten free use gluten free corn flakes and a one for one gluten free baking flour
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken over a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes or tuck into soft rolls for spicy sandwiches A drizzle of extra honey pairs beautifully with a classic slaw on the side For a real Southern touch serve with pickles and a cold cucumber salad
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Cultural and Historical Context
Southern hot chicken traces back to Nashville where it is known for its fire and crunch This oven method means you can get the spirit of hot chicken at home without wrestling with hot oil or a messy kitchen The cornflake crust nods to old school homemade recipes that make do with pantry staples
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the chicken extra crispy in this dish?
The coating of finely crushed corn flakes, combined with flour and olive oil brushing, creates a crunchy outer layer that mimics frying.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, both boneless or bone-in thighs can be used. Thighs may require slightly longer baking to ensure they are cooked through.
- → How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
- → Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While a 20-minute marinade helps tenderize and flavor the chicken, soaking overnight offers deeper flavor and juiciness.
- → What does the buttermilk do for the chicken?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tang, ensuring a moist texture after baking.
- → Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Yes, the hot honey can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before glazing the chicken.