Hot Honey Chicken

I did a little research into the origins of Hot Chicken and I what I discovered was quite interesting.  Nashville’s now-famous hot chicken dates back to the 1930s. According to local legend, an anguished woman was seeking revenge on her significant other for his wandering eye so she doused his chicken with cayenne pepper, hoping it would cause him to feel some of the pain and distress that she was experiencing. 🍗 Her plan backfired, it turned out, he loved the chicken so much that he decided to open a restaurant that featured that same fried chicken covered in sweet and spicy sauce.  Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack still stands today in downtown Nashville and is currently helmed by the original owner’s great-niece, André Prince Jeffries.  😂

I don't know this wife's name and I certainly don't agree with her strategy but I can relate to her use of food as a form of passive aggressive revenge.  One time I served chili to my unsuspecting husband for 4 days in a row as an expression of my displeasure about a situation. 😅Cruel and unusual punishment by my standard but what I didn't count on was the fact that he just really loves chili and was happy to eat it day after day. (after day)  🙄

Admittedly, the use of repetitive meals as a way to take umbrage against a situation was not my best decision but I can't even imagine a level of aggravation that would drive someone to spice their significant other's food with the intention of causing intestinal distress.  It sounds more like a movie plot than real life.  I don't know if the legend about Nashville Hot Chicken is real but it certainly makes for a good story.  

Traditionally, Nashville Hot Chicken is served with sliced white bread and pickles - Chick Fil A style.  I've never had true Nashville Hot Chicken but based on everything that I've heard about it - I'm sure I would love it.  I'm a fan of spicy as long as I'm informed ahead of time about what to expect.

Nashville Hot Chicken is a bucket list food but in the meantime, I decided to make my own version at home.  Since I've never tasted the original, my homemade hot chicken is bound to be the best I've ever had. 😂  I opted for a less traditional Hot Chicken recipe.  One that uses baked instead of fried chicken and the addition of honey to balance out the spiciness of the sauce.  I'm not sure that Nashville Hot Chicken purists would approve of my version but it's got my stamp of approval.

Hot Honey Chicken
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Cayenne Pepper Sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cumin
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tablespoon canola oil
2 Tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons lime juice
3 scallions, sliced thin

Combine honey, hot sauce and garlic.

Combine cumin and salt.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle with salt/cumin mixture.

Heat oil in skillet.  Add chicken and brown on both sides. Transfer to platter.

Pour fat from skillet.  Return chicken to skillet.  Pour honey mixture over top.

Transfer chicken to 425 degree oven and cook 17-22 minutes.  (165 degrees)

Let chicken rest 10 minutes.  Transfer to a platter. 

Bring skillet juices to a boil.  Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. 

Whisk in butter and lime juice. 

Spoon sauce over chicken.  

Sprinkle with scallions and serve. 

I recommend a nicely chilled glass of Chardonnay with this chicken.  I'm fairly certain that you won't find wine at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack but it was a nice addition to this meal.  If you're a beer drinker - by all means - open up a nice hoppy brew.  Either way - enjoy!

Ciao!

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