Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken, a recipe that humorously originates from a conversation overheard between two charming ladies on a bus, as noted in the Atlanta Cooknotes, the cherished cookbook of The Junior League of Atlanta, GA. This dish combines the tangy brightness of citrus with the rich sweetness of orange marmalade, perfectly enveloping tender chicken pieces in a deliciously sticky glaze. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also promises to delight your taste buds.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Description | A flavorful chicken dish with sweet and spicy notes, inspired by a conversation between two ladies. |
| Recipe Category | Chicken |
| Servings | 4 |
| Keywords | Poultry, Meat, Oven, Inexpensive, < 4 Hours |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 103.5 mg |
| Sodium | 364.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 17.8 g |
| Protein | 26.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Chicken pieces |
| 2 | Lemons (for juice) |
| 1/3 | Cup of orange marmalade |
| 1/3 | Cup of barbecue sauce |
| 2 | Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup of orange marmalade, 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of 2 lemons. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
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Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces skin side up in a baking pan lined with tin foil for easy cleanup. The foil will also help retain moisture while the chicken bakes, ensuring a juicy result.
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Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. This basic seasoning will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. The sauce will caramelize as it bakes, creating a sticky and flavorful crust.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan juices. This step is crucial as it adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, preventing it from drying out.
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Increase Temperature: After the initial baking period, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This will allow the chicken to crisp up and give it a beautifully caramelized finish.
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Final Baking: Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the sauce should be bubbling.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and enjoy the laughter and conversation it brings to your dining table.
This recipe exemplifies the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the sweet and spicy harmony of flavors that this delightful chicken dish brings to your meal!
