Hot Honey Chicken
Did you know that Hot Honey Chicken has roots in Nashville dating back to the 1930s? This dish not only showcases a delightful mix of sweet and spicy, but it also offers a variety of ways to prepare it—whether you prefer baking, air-frying, or grilling. With its crunchy cornflake crust and a drizzle of homemade hot honey, it’s a versatile meal that can complement many sides. But what makes this recipe stand out among other fried chicken variations? Explore the unique elements that elevate this dish into a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you try this hot honey chicken recipe, you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite for so many. The crispy texture, achieved without frying, makes it a healthier option while still satisfying your crunch cravings.
The balanced flavors, with hot honey giving just the right amount of heat, prevent it from being overly sweet. You can easily customize it by using either chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. Plus, it’s suitable for both adults and kids—whether you choose to BBQ, bake, or air-fry, you’ll enjoy delicious results. This dish also pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, or rice, making it a complete meal.
With its rich taste and flexibility, it’s perfect for any occasion.
History
Hot honey chicken is more than just a delicious dish; it has a rich history that traces back to Nashville in the 1930s.
The legend goes that an upset woman doused her partner’s chicken with cayenne pepper as revenge for his infidelity. This spicy creation caught the attention of Thornton Prince, who loved it so much that he opened a restaurant called “The Bar-B-Q Chicken Shack” on Jefferson Street. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack remains a landmark in Nashville to this day.
Over time, Nashville hot chicken became a Sunday morning tradition in African American communities. Events like the Nashville Music City Hot Chicken Festival, which started in 2007, further popularized this dish.
Today, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack remains a staple, keeping the history alive while serving delicious hot chicken.
Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the succulent flavor of chicken with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress at dinner parties or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home. The crispy coating, made from cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs, adds an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken.
Whether you choose chicken breast tenderloins or boneless, skinless thighs, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. The preparation method is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only enhances its flavor but also guarantees a tender bite. Additionally, the dish features a cornflake crust that contributes to its unique texture and taste.
As the chicken bakes to golden perfection, you can prepare the hot honey sauce, which will elevate your dish to new heights. Serve it drizzled over the crispy chicken and garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– Cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs
– Chicken breast tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– Smoked paprika
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Cayenne pepper
– Honey
– Hot sauce
– Red pepper flakes
– Butter
– Eggs
– Buttermilk
– Flour
– Milk
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using chicken thighs, consider pounding them thin for even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix together eggs and buttermilk. In another shallow dish, combine cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the cornflake or breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb step.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
When cooking Hot Honey Chicken, it’s important to adjust the spice level according to your preference by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The hot honey sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for weeks, making this dish even easier to prepare on busy days.
For the crispiest results, confirm that the chicken is well-coated and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause steaming instead of crisping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a plate of Hot Honey Chicken can truly elevate your dining experience. This dish not only delights your taste buds with its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor profile, but it also offers impressive nutritional benefits. With 84g of protein per three servings, it’s a great option for those looking to boost their protein intake. You can cook it in various ways, whether you prefer a baked version or grilled for a blackened twist. Additionally, it’s important to note that this dish is a good source of protein, providing 151% of your Daily Value.
Plus, its versatility means you can pair it with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or a revitalizing salad. For meal prep enthusiasts, it’s easy to make ahead, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime. Hot Honey Chicken is a satisfying and nutritious choice for any meal.
FAQ
What questions might you have about preparing and enjoying Hot Honey Chicken?
First, let’s clarify what it is: crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from hot honey. To prepare it, crush cornflakes or use panko for a crunchy coating, then dredge the chicken in eggs and the cereal mixture. Bake until crispy, and drizzle with hot honey made by warming honey with hot sauce and spices. Effective punctuation enhances reader comprehension and engagement in recipes.
Key ingredients include chicken breasts, flour, and optional spices like garlic powder.
For the best results, double-dredge for thickness and drizzle olive oil before baking. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce for your preferred spice level. Enjoy garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley!
Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - Cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs
- - Chicken breast tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- - Smoked paprika
- - Garlic powder
- - Onion powder
- - Cayenne pepper
- - Honey
- - Hot sauce
- - Red pepper flakes
- - Butter
- - Eggs
- - Buttermilk
- - Flour
- - Milk
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using chicken thighs, consider pounding them thin for even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix together eggs and buttermilk. In another shallow dish, combine cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the cornflake or breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb step.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce by combining honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- When cooking Hot Honey Chicken, it's important to adjust the spice level according to your preference by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The hot honey sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for weeks, making this dish even easier to prepare on busy days.
- For the crispiest results, confirm that the chicken is well-coated and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause steaming instead of crisping. Enjoy your delicious creation!