Golden, crispy, and infused with layers of spice—Southern Style Chicken is the very essence of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that conjures up images of family gatherings, warm hospitality, and tables laden with all the trimmings. With a coating that delivers crunch and a flavour profile that brings together the warmth of allspice, the earthiness of sage and the gentle heat of paprika, this take on Southern chicken is oven-baked, making it a little lighter but no less indulgent.
Southern cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, drawing from a rich history of bold seasonings and carefully balanced herbs. This recipe pays homage to that heritage, using a blend of thyme, allspice, paprika, turmeric, oregano, and sage—each playing a role in creating a robust and well-rounded flavour. The subtle heat of black pepper rounds off the mix, bringing just the right amount of warmth to every bite.
The breadcrumb coating adds an irresistible texture. Unlike the heavier batters of deep-fried versions, this method allows the natural flavours of the spices to shine while still delivering the satisfying crunch we all love. Using wholemeal breadcrumbs adds a rustic touch, making the dish feel hearty and wholesome. The light dredging of flour before the egg wash ensures that every piece of chicken gets an even, crisp crust once baked.
The magic happens in the oven. As the chicken roasts, the spices meld together, creating an aromatic, golden-brown crust. The turning point—literally—comes halfway through cooking when the chicken is flipped, allowing for even crisping on both sides. The result? Tender, juicy meat wrapped in a beautifully spiced, crunchy coating.
Pair this Southern delight with buttery mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or classic coleslaw. For a true taste of the South, a side of cornbread or baked beans wouldn’t go amiss. Whether served for a casual weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering, this dish brings the heart and soul of Southern cooking straight to the table.
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that stay with us the longest. This Chicken, with its comforting flavours and perfectly balanced spices, is one of those recipes that feels like home—wherever you are.
Southern Style Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried thyme heaped
- 1 tsp allspice heaped
- 1 tsp paprika heaped
- 1 tsp turmeric heaped
- 1 tsp oregano heaped
- 1 tsp sage
- black pepper good grind
- 1 slice wholemeal bread crumbled into 30g fine breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten free range
- 450 g chicken thighs skin removed
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tsp rapeseed oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.
- Mix all the spices and herbs together with the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well combined.1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp sage, black pepper, 1 slice wholemeal bread
- Beat the egg in a bowl and set aside.1 large egg
- Dredge the chicken with the flour, shaking off any excess and dip each chicken thigh into the beaten egg.450 g chicken thighs, 1 tbsp plain flour
- Toss the chicken pieces in the spicy breadcrumb mixture ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated.
- Lay the chicken on a lightly oiled baking sheet and sprinkle any leftover spice mixture on top.1 tsp rapeseed oil
- Roast for 10 minutes, turn the pieces over and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Check the chicken is cooked through and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
16 comments
I wasn’t sure about the allspice at first, but it adds a subtle warmth that makes this dish stand out.
I served it with mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and it felt like a true Southern meal.
This Southern Style Chicken has the perfect balance of crispiness and spice. The seasoning blend is spot on, and baking it keeps it light yet incredibly flavourful
I was sceptical about oven-baking instead of frying, but this method works brilliantly! The chicken was crunchy, well-seasoned, and so much lighter than the fried alternative.
The combination of thyme, paprika, and sage makes this dish so fragrant and tasty. I added a little extra black pepper for more kick, and it was divine.
This recipe is so simple yet delivers big on taste.
It’s a definite keeper.
The spices are well-balanced, and the breadcrumbs give the perfect crunch. I’ll definitely be making this again
The blend of herbs and spices is just right—nothing overpowering, just layers of flavour
Goodbye KFC hello Southern style chicken
The chicken turned out so juicy on the inside with a beautifully crisp coating.
We’ve made this twice already, and it’s become a staple in our house.
Even my picky eaters devoured these!!
I love fried chicken but wanted a lighter version. This oven-baked method gives all the crunch and taste without the extra oil.
This baked version of Southern Style Chicken still has all the comfort and flavour of the traditional deep-fried version.
I followed the instructions exactly, and the result was a beautifully seasoned, crispy chicken that my family loved.