Oven-Fried Southern-Style Cinnamon Honey Chicken: A Crispy, Sweet Symphony

There’s a certain magic that happens when familiar flavors are elevated with an unexpected twist, and that’s precisely what drew me to this dish. I remember catching a segment on television about Amy Ruth’s, a New York restaurant renowned for its incredible fried chicken. The owner’s description of a honey-cinnamon glaze, coating perfectly fried chicken, sounded like pure culinary poetry. It ignited a culinary quest, leading me down a rabbit hole of online recipes until I pieced together what I hoped would capture that essence. While I prefer a gentler, oven-baked approach to my chicken, this recipe delivers all the craveable crunch and a whisper of sweet, spiced warmth that makes it utterly irresistible.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 8 pieces of chicken
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

For the Chicken Coating

• 3 lbs chicken, jointed into 8 pieces (using good quality chicken is key for the best flavor and texture!)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon good quality cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ⅓ cup dried crushed breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Cinnamon Honey Sauce

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup honey
• 2 pinches finely ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan
• Three shallow bowls or pie plates (for dredging)
• Whisk
• Small saucepan
• Tongs
• Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This moderate temperature is crucial for allowing the chicken to cook through without burning the coating.
2. Prepare the roasting pan: Lightly spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps the chicken achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
3. Create the seasoned flour mixture: In one of your shallow bowls, combine the flour with salt, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and the pinch of nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The turmeric not only adds a subtle earthy note but also contributes to a lovely golden hue.
4. Coat the chicken in flour: Take your chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered, shaking off any excess flour. You can choose to use chicken with or without the skin on; both will yield delicious results, but skin-on pieces will generally be crispier.
5. Prepare the egg wash: In a second shallow bowl, beat together the egg and milk. This creates a simple yet effective binder for the breadcrumbs.
6. Dredge in egg and breadcrumbs: Now, take your flour-coated chicken pieces and dredge them in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately after, transfer them to the third shallow bowl, which should contain the dried crushed breadcrumbs, and coat them well. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere for that sought-after crunch.
7. Arrange for optimal crisping: Arrange the breadcrumb-coated chicken pieces skin-side up (if you’re using skin-on pieces) in the prepared roasting pan. It’s important that the pieces are not touching each other, as much as possible. This allows for better air circulation, which is key to achieving a crispy exterior on all sides.
8. Initial Bake: Spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray once more or sprinkle them with the 2 tablespoons of oil. This is an optional step but highly recommended for extra crispiness. Place the chicken in the preheated oven to bake.
9. Prepare the cinnamon honey sauce: While the chicken is in its initial baking stage, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, honey, the two pinches of cinnamon, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir gently until the butter is melted and all the ingredients are well combined, creating a fragrant, glistening sauce.
10. Glaze the chicken: After the chicken has baked for 25 minutes, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven. Pour the warm butter and honey mixture generously over the chicken pieces. Ensure each piece gets a good coating of this sweet, spiced glaze.
11. Final Bake: Return the glazed chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the exterior is crisp and beautifully browned. The total baking time will be approximately 40 minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Chicken: For more even cooking, allow your chicken pieces to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before you begin the breading process. This helps the chicken cook through at the same rate as the coating crisps up.
• Crispier Coating: If you desire an even crispier crust, you can place a wire rack inside your roasting pan and arrange the chicken on the rack. This allows hot air to circulate all around the chicken, promoting maximum crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: As mentioned in the instructions, avoiding overcrowding in the pan is paramount for achieving that coveted crispy texture. If your pan is too full, consider using two pans.
• Quality Spices: Using freshly ground spices and good quality cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile significantly. The subtle nuances make a real difference.
• Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can slightly reduce the amount of honey, but remember that honey also contributes to the beautiful caramelization of the chicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Oven-Fried Southern-Style Cinnamon Honey Chicken is best served hot, straight from the oven, to fully appreciate its crispy texture. It pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or a crisp coleslaw. For a more casual meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and some cornbread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method to regain some crispiness is to place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at around 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving will result in a softer texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1080.3 kcal
Calories from Fat	583 kcal	54%
Total Fat	64.9 g	99%
Saturated Fat	22.7 g	113%
Cholesterol	333.2 mg	111%
Sodium	1591.7 mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate	54.7 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	35.6 g	142%
Protein	68.2 g	136%

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper (to taste) to the honey sauce, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs for a subtle warmth within the crust.
• Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free version, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or soy milk in the egg wash and melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken parts other than the standard 8 pieces?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other chicken cuts like thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?
A: Ensure the chicken is dry before flouring, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after the egg wash, and avoid moving the chicken excessively once it’s in the pan.

Q: Is it possible to get truly crispy chicken in the oven?
A: Yes, by following the instructions to preheat the oven properly, not overcrowding the pan, and optionally using a wire rack, you can achieve a wonderfully crisp texture.

Q: What’s the purpose of the lemon juice in the sauce?
A: The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter, preventing the glaze from being cloyingly sweet.

Q: Can I make the honey sauce ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the honey sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before pouring over the chicken. However, it’s best to combine it just before glazing for the freshest flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Fried Southern-Style Cinnamon Honey Chicken is a testament to how baking can achieve results that rival traditional frying, all while being a little kinder to your kitchen and your waistline. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and honey as it bakes is simply divine, promising a meal that’s both familiar and excitingly new. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and savor every crispy, sweet, and savory bite. It’s a dish that brings a touch of sunshine and warmth to any table, and I can’t wait for you to experience its magic. Perhaps serve it with a crisp, cool glass of iced tea for the perfect Southern-inspired feast.