| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 20g | 5g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 3g | 40g | 1.07g |
There’s always a magic that transpires in the kitchen whenever I cook Mountain Pepper and Honey Glazed Chicken. It’s a culinary marriage fusing the soulful warmth of my southern roots with the audacious flavours of West African cooking, reflecting my heritage in the most delicious way.
The Art of Fusion Cuisine
Growing up in Atlanta with Nigerian parents, I was enthralled by the enigmatic fusion of Southern American and West African cuisines, something that led to my commendable passion for Afro-Southern fusion dishes. This recipe of Mountain Pepper and Honey Glazed Chicken is kind of love letter to that family tradition, a testament to my roots that I’m always proud to share with others.
A Salad and Health Benefits
This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad like Mediterranean Tomato Salad. Not only do they complement each other taste-wise but it’s also an excellent way to balance your meals nutritionally. Honey, the natural sweetener in this recipe, possesses numerous health benefits, including its rich antioxidants which can contribute to heart health. Partnered with the digestive benefits of garlic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, this recipe isn’t just tantalizing to your taste buds but also beneficial to your wellbeing.
A Playful Twist to Traditional Chicken Recipes
As a lover of global cuisine, I have always found joy in giving playful twists to traditional recipes. This dish is akin to the beloved Honey Glazed Chicken. However, the addition of mountain pepper and a hint of lemon brings in a unique sense of invigorating freshness and a kick that certainly differentiates it from its counterparts.
Enjoying this dish with my partner becomes a celebration of flavours in the comfort of our home. Each bite is a reminder of my passion for Afro-Southern cuisine, inspiring me to continually explore and create new recipes. This chicken dish is always a hit in our household and I have no doubt that it will be in yours as well!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of mountain pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, prepare your chicken by washing and drying them properly.
Step Two
Take a large bowl, add honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, mountain pepper, minced garlic, ground ginger, sea salt, black pepper, and the juice of the lemon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Three
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl and make sure they are fully covered with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step Four
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side of the chicken breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step Five
Remove the pan from the heat. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Place sprigs of thyme on top of each chicken breast.
Step Six
Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Seven
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more moist and flavorful. Serve and enjoy!
