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Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken

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This Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken features juicy, seasoned chicken baked with a crunchy cornflake and breadcrumb coating, then finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It’s comfort food with a kick, minus the deep frying.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend, divided
  • 1 tablespoon hot honey (for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup almond milk (or whole milk/heavy cream)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for brushing
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup hot honey (or raw honey)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat dry chicken pieces and place them in a bowl.
  3. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon each of salt, smoked paprika, and seasoning blend. Add 1 tablespoon of hot honey and toss to coat. Marinate for 5–10 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 days).
  4. Prepare 3 bowls: Bowl 1 with flour; Bowl 2 with whisked eggs and milk; Bowl 3 with breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and remaining 1 teaspoon each of salt, smoked paprika, and seasoning blend.
  5. Coat chicken in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and press into breadcrumb-cornflake mix. Place on rack-lined baking sheet.
  6. Lightly brush or spray tops with olive oil or cooking spray.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). Broil an extra 5–10 minutes for more crispiness if desired.
  8. Meanwhile, make hot honey sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add hot honey, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Remove chicken from oven and generously spoon hot honey sauce over each piece. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and cornflakes.
  • Use raw honey for a milder glaze or add extra chili for more heat.
  • Can be cooked in an air fryer or deep fryer if preferred.
  • Reheat in oven to keep the coating crispy.
  • Can be made ahead—coat and refrigerate up to 6 hours in advance.

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