Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This delicious grilled chicken recipe features a sweet and spicy glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors. A quick and easy meal thats sure to impress!

Ingredients

• cup honey
• cup hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 bone-in chicken breast halves, with skin

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and ground black pepper. Stir well until fully mixed.

Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Brush with some of the sauce and cook for 10-15 minutes per side, occasionally basting with more sauce. Cook until the chicken turns golden and sticky, and the internal temperature reaches 180F (80C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	519
Total Fat	21g (27% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	6g (30% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	144mg (48% Daily Value)
Sodium	232mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	35g (13% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	35g
Protein	47g (95% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium	31mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium	542mg (12% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

Hot honey chicken is a modern fusion dish that blends the classic American love for fried chicken with the growing trend of spicy-sweet flavors. The combination of honey and hot sauce has gained widespread popularity in recent years, particularly in Southern and Tex-Mex cuisines. The idea of pairing sweet honey with spicy heat can be traced back to honey hot wings, a staple in many American sports bars and restaurants. Over time, chefs and home cooks have experimented by incorporating this sauce into various meat dishes, including chicken breasts, resulting in the sweet and spicy hot honey chicken we enjoy today.

Regional Variations

While the hot honey chicken recipe is widely recognized in the United States, its regional variations may include different types of hot sauces, such as sriracha, Franks Red Hot, or even local chili pastes. In the South, hot honey chicken might be served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or collard greens, reflecting the regions comfort food heritage. In contrast, West Coast variations might feature a more Mediterranean influence, such as pairing the dish with couscous or a fresh cucumber salad. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, with variations emerging across the country depending on local preferences and the availability of hot sauce types.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Hot honey chicken stands apart from similar dishes like honey mustard chicken or buffalo wings due to the unique combination of sweetness from the honey and the bold heat from the hot sauce. Honey mustard typically has a milder, tangier profile due to the mustard's acidity, while buffalo wings are often dominated by vinegar-based hot sauce, which creates a sharper, more acidic flavor. The hot honey chicken recipe, on the other hand, delivers a balanced sweet heat that coats the chicken in a sticky, flavorful glaze, giving it a richer, more savory finish than its counterparts.

Where is it Typically Served?

Hot honey chicken is often served in casual dining establishments, particularly in American restaurants and bars that specialize in comfort food. It is commonly found on menus alongside other fried chicken dishes, wings, or barbecue. The dish has become especially popular for casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, and cookouts due to its easy preparation and deliciously sticky, craveable flavor. Additionally, hot honey chicken can be paired with a variety of sides, including french fries, rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of honey and hot sauce was popularized by the rise of hot wings in the late 20th century, especially in American bars and restaurants.
• In some parts of the world, honey and chili sauce are used together to make marinades for meats and seafood, a practice that has been a staple in Asian and Latin American cuisines for centuries.
• The popularity of hot honey has grown rapidly in recent years, with many food producers now offering hot honey sauces and condiments, turning this once niche item into a mainstream ingredient.
• Hot honey chicken is not only a favorite at restaurants but also a popular dish for home cooks, as its easy to make, requires few ingredients, and offers a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

FAQ about Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Comments