I’m so excited to share my Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe with you! This dish perfectly balances crispy, golden chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s just irresistible. Whenever I make it, it quickly becomes the star of dinner—whether I’m serving family or feeding a hungry crowd.

What makes this recipe really shine is the combination of classic Southern flavors with a healthier twist—oven-fried instead of deep-fried—so you get all the crunch without the mess or extra oil. Plus, the hot honey glaze adds a little kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you haven’t tried something like this before, you’re in for a serious treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect crispy crust and bold hot honey flavor that makes this recipe a winner every time. I always recommend using fresh herbs and quality honey to really bring out the best flavors.

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicy, breasts are leaner—either works well for oven frying.
Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavor.
Crushed corn flakes: They add a super crispy, light crust without heaviness.
Whole wheat flour: A touch of flour helps bind the crunchy coating nicely.
Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle herby note that complements the spicy honey.
Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing the chicken to get that golden brown finish in the oven.
Butter: The base of the hot honey sauce, adds richness.
Honey: The sweet counterpart to the heat, I use a mild, runny honey for easy glazing.
Cayenne pepper: Your main source of heat; adjust to taste.
Chili powder: Adds depth and smoky warmth.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky flavor without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the spices with a savory punch.

Variations

I love how versatile the Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is, and I often tweak it based on what we’re craving or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Spice it down: When I’m cooking for kids or spice-wary friends, I cut the cayenne in half and add a bit more honey for sweetness.
Gluten-free option: Try swapping the corn flakes and whole wheat flour for crushed gluten-free cereal and almond flour.
Herb swap: Rosemary or oregano work beautifully if you don’t have thyme on hand.
Spicy glaze variation: Amp up the heat by mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce to the hot honey glaze.

How to Make Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

Start by combining your chicken with the buttermilk and kosher salt in a bowl. Let it soak for at least an hour—or even overnight if you have time. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick, so don’t skip it. I usually pop mine in the fridge while getting everything else ready.

Step 2: Prep Your Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, mix the crushed corn flakes, whole wheat flour, chopped fresh thyme, a pinch of kosher salt, and all the spices (cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder) in a large shallow dish. The fine texture of corn flakes provides a delicate but crunchy crust that makes this oven fried version feel truly special.

Step 3: Coat and Brush the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk one piece at a time, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in your corn flake mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment, then brush each piece lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Don’t rush this step—the oil helps the crust crisp up beautifully in the oven without frying.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Juicy

Bake your chicken in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes. I like to flip halfway through to get even browning. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness. You’ll love that crispy texture without the oily heaviness of frying!

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While your chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and a pinch more cayenne (if you like it extra spicy). Warm everything just until combined and glossy. This glaze is where the magic happens—sweet, buttery, and with a nice heat that makes the dish truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once your chicken is out of the oven, drizzle it generously with that hot honey glaze while it’s still warm. The glaze soaks in a little, coating every crunchy bite with a wonderful sticky heat. Trust me—this is the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over.

How to Serve Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme, which adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a few thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps brighten up all those rich flavors. Try both and see what you prefer!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides for this chicken are creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted Brussels sprouts. For a real Southern-style meal, pair it with collard greens or classic mac and cheese—comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, I’ve served the Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken on a big wooden board with small bowls of extra hot honey glaze and mac and cheese. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to let guests customize their plates. Another idea? Wrap pieces in soft slider buns with pickles for amazing mini hot honey chicken sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, usually good for up to 3 days. The chicken stays surprisingly crispy, especially if you reheat it properly. I like to separate the hot honey glaze in a small jar to add fresh after reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken works well, too! I freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags without the honey glaze (which can get sticky and hard in the freezer). When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as below, then add fresh glaze.

Reheating

To keep that crispy oven-fried texture when reheating, pop the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. If you microwaved it, the coating can get soggy fast. Warm the hot honey sauce gently on the stove or microwave separately and drizzle right before serving for that fresh sticky glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken wings for this Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken wings work great with this recipe. Just adjust the baking time to about 35-40 minutes since wings are smaller and contain bones. The crispy coating and hot honey glaze are fantastic on wings, making them perfect for game day or parties.
Is it necessary to brine the chicken in buttermilk?

While it’s not mandatory, soaking the chicken in buttermilk really helps tenderize it and makes the coating stick better. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes in buttermilk will improve texture and flavor significantly compared to skipping this step.
Can I make this Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To keep it vegan or vegetarian, you could substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu slices and swap buttermilk for a plant-based yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and you’ll still get a tasty crispy coating and spicy honey glaze flavor.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The spice level is moderate by default, with warmth from cayenne and chili powder balanced by the honey’s sweetness. If you like heat, feel free to add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something impressive yet easy. The crispiness from the oven frying paired with the sweet and spicy hot honey glaze feels like the best of Southern comfort food without the guilt of deep frying. I really hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—whether for cozy family dinners or when friends come over. Once you try it, I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!