Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken. This crispy, flavorful dish is a healthier take on the classic deep-fried popcorn chicken. Coated in crunchy corn flakes and seasoned with a fiery blend of spices, it’s finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey sauce for the perfect balance of flavors. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or as a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil (for baking)
- 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with olive oil for added crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Make the Breading : In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp of water. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken : Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then roll it in the cornflake mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake the Chicken : Lightly spray or drizzle the coated chicken with olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey : In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 3 tbsp honey, 6 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and the minced garlic. Stir until well combined and warmed through. Remove from heat and drizzle the hot honey mixture over the baked popcorn chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy : Garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat if desired. Serve the hot honey popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is a deliciously crispy and spicy dish that’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. The combination of the crunchy coating and the sweet, spicy hot honey drizzle is irresistibly good. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken
Crispy oven-fried popcorn chicken coated in a spicyseasoning blend and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey for a flavor-packeddish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups corn flakes crushed
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for baking
- 6 tbsp salted butter melted
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with olive oil for added crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Make the Breading : In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp of water. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken : Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then roll it in the cornflake mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake the Chicken : Lightly spray or drizzle the coated chicken with olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey : In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 3 tbsp honey, 6 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and the minced garlic. Stir until well combined and warmed through. Remove from heat and drizzle the hot honey mixture over the baked popcorn chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy : Garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat if desired. Serve the hot honey popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
