Irresistible Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Crispy, golden southern hot honey popcorn chicken has become my latest obsession in the kitchen.

Southern comfort meets spicy-sweet magic with this irresistible dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like a celebration when you slice through these crunchy bites.

Marinated chicken pieces get an incredible coating that locks in juicy flavors.

Each morsel promises a perfect balance of heat and honey-drenched crunch.

Forget complicated restaurant recipes – you can easily master this crowd-pleasing favorite at home.

Ready to transform your meal into a flavor adventure that everyone will devour?

What Makes Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken a Winner

• Spark Quick Comfort Meals: Perfect for busy families craving delicious, satisfying chicken without complicated cooking techniques.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines crispy texture with sweet-spicy hot honey glaze that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Method: Oven-baking eliminates deep-frying hassles while delivering restaurant-quality crunch and golden-brown results.
• Customize Spice Adventure: Flexible seasoning blend allows adjusting heat levels by modifying cayenne pepper amount for personalized taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender cuts perfect for a crispy, Southern-style chicken dish.

• Eggs, Buttermilk: Create a tangy, clingy base for the dry coating.
• Cornflake Crumbs: Provide a crunchy, golden exterior with excellent texture.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Deliver a robust and spicy flavor profile to the chicken coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps achieve even browning and crisp texture on the chicken.
• Hot Honey: Adds a sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully when drizzled over the hot chicken.

How to Make Oven-Fried Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to roast at 425°F to create the perfect golden environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

This tangy mixture will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and keep it super juicy.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Coating

• Cornflake crumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix these spices thoroughly to create a knockout flavor explosion.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll it generously in the seasoned cornflake crumb mixture until fully coated.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Drizzle vegetable oil across the parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange chicken pieces with space between them to ensure each piece gets wonderfully crispy and golden.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Add Hot Honey Glaze

The moment the chicken comes out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the top. Watch as the sweet and spicy glaze creates a mouthwatering caramelized coating.

Step 8: Rest and Set

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the coating set and allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and crispiness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your crispy chicken while it’s hot. Set out extra hot honey for those who want an extra flavor kick. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Helpful Tips for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

• Maximize Crispy Texture: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy breading.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick of heat beyond the hot honey glaze.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Use one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry to keep breading process clean and prevent clumpy coating.
• Temperature Control: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exact 165°F without overcooking, ensuring juicy meat.
• Quick Cooling Hack: Place chicken on a wire rack after baking to prevent bottom from getting soggy, maintaining all-over crispiness.

Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Flavor Combos

• Buttermilk Ranch Popcorn Chicken: Replace hot honey with homemade ranch seasoning mixed into cornflake crumbs for a creamy, herbaceous flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Popcorn Chicken: Swap cornflake crumbs with shredded coconut and add curry powder for an exotic, spicy-sweet coating that brings tropical warmth.
• Parmesan Herb Popcorn Chicken: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs into the cornflake crumb mixture for a savory, Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Maple Mustard Popcorn Chicken: Substitute hot honey with a maple mustard glaze, combining maple syrup and whole grain mustard for a tangy-sweet finish.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

• Spicy Sweet Sip: Pair a cold craft IPA with this hot honey chicken to balance the sweet-heat profile and complement the crispy coating.
• Creamy Cool Dunk: Create a tangy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce to provide a cool contrast against the spicy, caramelized chicken exterior.
• Fresh Crunch Companion: Serve alongside a light cucumber and herb salad to cut through the richness and add refreshing texture to the meal.
• Zesty Sidekick Beverage: Mix a fresh ginger lemonade that echoes the hot honey's sweet-spicy notes while offering a bright, citrusy counterpoint.

Smart Storage for Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, keeping the chicken frozen for up to 2 months without losing its crispy texture.
• Restore crispiness by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy coating.
• Separate chicken pieces with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual coating integrity.

Oven-Fried Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken FAQs

• What makes the coating crispy?

The cornflake crumbs combined with the seasoning and light oil drizzle create a crunchy exterior that bakes to a golden brown without deep-frying.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but buttermilk adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken. If using regular milk, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown and have no pink inside.

• Is the cayenne pepper optional?

While cayenne adds heat, you can reduce or omit it for a milder version. The hot honey will still provide some spiciness to the dish.

Oven-Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style hot honey popcorn chicken brings explosive flavor to classic comfort food. Crispy, spicy-sweet bites deliver a perfect balance of crunch and zest you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup hot honey
• 2 cups cornflake crumbs

additional ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

seasonings:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

coating/baking:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup additional hot honey (for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp chicken.
2. Whisk eggs and buttermilk together in a medium bowl, creating a tangy marinade for the chicken pieces.
3. Mix cornflake crumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a separate shallow dish for a robust coating.
4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then roll thoroughly in the seasoned cornflake crumb mixture.
5. Drizzle vegetable oil across the prepared baking sheet, then arrange the coated chicken pieces with space between them to promote even browning.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning chicken halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle hot honey over the crispy chicken, allowing the sweet and spicy glaze to caramelize slightly.
8. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the coating to set and juices to redistribute.
9. Serve hot, with extra hot honey on the side for additional drizzling or dipping.

Notes

• Ensure cornflakes are finely crushed for an ultra-crispy, uniform coating that adheres perfectly to chicken pieces.
• Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to help seasonings stick better and promote even breading.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to eliminate excess moisture and guarantee maximum crunchiness during baking.
• Gluten-free option: Replace cornflake crumbs with crushed gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg