Spicy Sweet Heat Chicken
Experience a tantalizing fusion of flavors with our Spicy Sweet Heat Chicken! This dish combines the fiery essence of cinnamon schnapps with the delightful sweetness of honey, creating a bold marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation. Infused with a hint of garlic and a touch of white pepper, each bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy and sweet, reminiscent of an atomic fireball. Ideal for a festive dinner or weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cinnamon Schnapps
1 cup (None)
Honey
1/2 cup (None)
Garlic cloves
4 cloves (Minced)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Chicken
2-3 lbs (Cut into pieces if desired)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of cinnamon schnapps, 1/2 cup of honey, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper. Mix until well blended.
2
Add 2-3 lbs of chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
3
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and shake off any excess marinade.
5
Transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to boil until slightly thickened, approximately 5-10 minutes, until you have about 1 cup of sauce left.
6
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7
Pour the reduced marinade over the seared chicken and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
8
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Sweet Heat Chicken?
It is a chicken dish featuring a bold marinade made from cinnamon schnapps, honey, and garlic, creating a flavor profile reminiscent of an atomic fireball candy.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 cup of cinnamon schnapps, 1/2 cup of honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 to 3 lbs of chicken, which can be cut into pieces if preferred.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For maximum flavor absorption, marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare the sauce from the marinade?
Transfer the leftover marinade to a small saucepan, bring it to a boil, and let it thicken for 5-10 minutes until about 1 cup remains.
Why is the marinade boiled before baking?
Boiling the marinade makes it safe to eat after touching raw chicken and allows it to reduce into a thick, flavorful sauce.
What type of oil is used for searing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long do I sear the chicken in the skillet?
Sear the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until it becomes golden brown.
Does the skillet need to be ovenproof?
Yes, an ovenproof skillet is required because the chicken is moved from the stovetop directly into the oven.
What is the cooking time in the oven?
The chicken should bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps keep it juicy.
What flavor does the cinnamon schnapps provide?
It provides a fiery, sweet cinnamon essence that balances with the honey and garlic.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of cinnamon schnapps and white pepper creates a spicy heat.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
How much honey is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of honey.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What kind of pepper is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
Can I use any type of chicken?
Yes, you can use 2-3 lbs of chicken, and you may cut it into pieces if desired.
Is this dish suitable for a party?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for festive dinners or weekend gatherings.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What should I do with the marinade after removing the chicken?
Do not discard it; boil it in a saucepan to create the sauce for the final bake.
How much sauce should be left after reduction?
You should aim for approximately 1 cup of thickened sauce.
When do I add the reduced sauce to the chicken?
Pour the reduced marinade over the seared chicken right before transferring the skillet to the oven.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 8 hours?
8 hours is the recommended minimum for the flavors to properly infuse the meat.
What does the searing process do?
Searing the chicken over medium-high heat helps develop a golden brown crust and locks in flavor.
Is the garlic prepared in a specific way?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the marinade.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated?
Mix the marinade in a bowl first, then add the chicken and stir to ensure every piece is covered.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.