There’s something magical about the balance of sweet and spicy flavors, especially when they come together in a dish as satisfying as baked chicken. This recipe promises tender, juicy chicken with a glaze that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but delivers impressive results.
Ready to ignite your culinary senses and enjoy every bite? Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet or casserole dish by greasing it lightly.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine brown sugar, hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water. Whisk these ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing it to boil for 3-4 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium heat, grease it lightly, and brown the chicken on each side for 1-2 minutes, just to sear the exterior.
- Place the browned chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Brush the chicken generously with the sauce, keeping some sauce aside for later use.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it is thoroughly cooked. Once done, pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and serve while hot.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- ? cup brown sugar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or substitute with white vinegar)
- ? cup water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1088 kcal | Carbohydrates: 148 g | Protein: 96 g | Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 288 mg | Sodium: 3584 mg | Potassium: 1940 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 144 g | Vitamin A: 180 IU | Vitamin C: 28 mg | Calcium: 164 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- How long does it take to prepare and cook the Baked Sweet & Spicy Chicken?
- The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, with 5 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.
- What type of hot sauce is recommended for this recipe?
- The recipe suggests using Frank’s hot sauce for its great flavor and balanced heat, but feel free to use your preferred hot sauce.
- Can the apple cider vinegar be substituted with something else?
- Yes, you can use white vinegar as an alternative to apple cider vinegar in this recipe.
- What are the key ingredients needed for the sauce?
- The sauce is made with brown sugar, hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), and water.
- How should the chicken be prepared before baking?
- The chicken breasts should be pounded to an even thickness, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then browned in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side before baking.
- What is the nutritional information for this dish?
- Each serving contains approximately 272 calories, 37 grams of carbohydrates, 24 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fat, among other nutrients.
Tips
- Evenly Pound Chicken Breasts: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness by pounding them before cooking. This helps them cook more uniformly and prevents any parts from being overcooked or undercooked.
- Adjust Spice Level to Taste: Customize the heat of the dish by varying the amount of hot sauce according to your preference. If you’re using a hotter variety, you might want to start with less and add more gradually.
- Reserve Extra Sauce for Serving: When preparing the sauce, make sure to reserve some for pouring over the baked chicken just before serving. This enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Use a Raised Baking Sheet: Opt for a baking sheet with raised edges or a casserole dish to prevent any sauce from spilling over in the oven, which makes for easier cleanup and ensures all flavors are retained.
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet with Raised Sides or Casserole Dish
- Medium Saucepan
- Skillet (if not already owned, a non-stick skillet could be useful)
- Basting Brush (for brushing sauce onto the chicken)
- Meat Pounder (for pounding chicken breasts to even thickness)
