Heart-Healthy Nashville Hot Chicken

Discover a guilt-free twist on a Southern classic with this Heart-Healthy Nashville Hot Chicken recipe! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy, low-sodium buttermilk and hot sauce blend, then coated in whole wheat flour seasoned with a fiery mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic. Baked to golden perfection with a light spray of olive oil instead of deep frying, this dish keeps the bold flavors you love while reducing unhealthy fats. A zesty glaze of honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, this wholesome recipe is ideal for anyone craving spice without compromising on heart health. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a nutritious and flavorful meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make a total of 8 thinner pieces.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil spray.

Step 4

In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6

Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.

Step 7

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).

Step 8

While the chicken is baking, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 9

Once the chicken is done, brush lightly with the hot sauce mixture for a spicy finish.

Step 10

Serve immediately with your choice of healthy sides, such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1127.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1783.4

Total Fat 37.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 618.4mg	0%
Sodium 1424.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 19.3g
Protein 241.7g	0%

Vitamin D 161.7IU	0%
Calcium 440.4mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 2903.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.9%

Protein: 54.9%

Carbs: 26.2%