Heart-Healthy Nashville Hot Chicken
Put a heart-healthy twist on a Southern classic with our "Heart-Healthy Nashville Hot Chicken" recipe! This guilt-free version swaps deep frying for oven-baking, uses olive oil spray for crispy golden perfection, and spices up boneless, skinless chicken breasts with bold seasonings like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Marinated in low-sodium hot sauce and buttermilk, the tender chicken is coated in whole wheat flour for added fiber. A finishing brush of tangy honey-hot sauce delivers the signature fiery flavor while keeping it light on added salt. Ready in just under an hour, this wholesome dish pairs perfectly with nutritious sides like mixed greens or roasted veggies. Enjoy a health-conscious take on comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Keywords: heart-healthy Nashville hot chicken, baked hot chicken recipe, low-sodium Southern chicken, healthy comfort food, oven-baked chicken breast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional or low-sodium alternative)
- 1 as needed Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make a total of 8 thinner pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for best results.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flip the chicken, spray again, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
While the chicken is baking, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Once the chicken is done, brush lightly with the hot sauce mixture for a spicy finish.
Serve immediately with your choice of healthy sides, such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1783 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.0 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.3 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 618 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 1425 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 115.1 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 241.7 g | 483% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 440 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2903 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
