Nashville Hot Fried Chicken – Bold, Spicy, and Baked to Crispy Perfection

Craving the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken without the deep-fried guilt? This lighter version brings all the signature heat and crispy texture, but with a smart, oven-baked twist. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, this chicken is packed with bold Southern flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner with attitude or your next game-day spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Signature Heat – Classic Nashville-style cayenne kick in every bite.
Crispy Without Frying – Oven-baked with a crunchy coating that mimics the deep-fried version.
Juicy and Tender – Yogurt marinade locks in moisture and flavor.
Weeknight-Friendly – Simple ingredients, easy prep, and satisfying results.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt

For the coating:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Nonstick cooking spray

For the hot glaze:

• 1 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp honey (optional, for balance)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for more flavor).

2. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a wire rack on top. Spray rack lightly with nonstick spray.

3. Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine panko, cornmeal, paprika, pepper, and cayenne. Remove chicken from marinade and press into breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Place on rack.

4. Bake
Lightly spray tops of chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until crispy and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

5. Make the Glaze
While chicken bakes, mix melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne, and optional honey in a small bowl.

6. Finish and Serve
Brush hot glaze over cooked chicken just before serving. Serve with pickles, slaw, or a side salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 230
Protein: 26g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

• Control the Heat – Adjust cayenne in both coating and glaze to match your spice preference.
• Use a Rack – Elevating the chicken ensures air circulates and keeps it crisp.
• Pair It Smart – Serve with a cooling cucumber salad or Greek yogurt ranch to balance the heat.

Why This Recipe Works

By marinating in Greek yogurt and using an oven-baked coating, you get juicy, flavorful chicken with a satisfying crunch—minus the deep fryer. The hot glaze brings that unmistakable Nashville heat, making this a guilt-conscious twist on a fiery classic.

This Nashville Hot Fried Chicken delivers everything you crave—spice, crunch, and bold flavor—without all the extra calories or grease. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a Southern staple, whether you’re hosting friends or just spicing up your dinner routine.