Honey-baked Chicken

Honey-Baked Chicken Recipe with Zucchini, Celery, and Pecans

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 - 2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Honey-baked chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of chicken and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of honey-baked chicken are not clear, but honey has been used as a sweetener in cooking for centuries. The combination of honey, chicken, and vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) skinned broiler/fryer chicken
0.75 cup shredded zucchini
0.5 cup finely chopped celery
1 clove garlic, crushed
0.25 cup chopped pecans
0.25 tsp pepper
2 tbsp honey
0.75 cup shredded yellow squash
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
1.25 cups toasted whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
0.25 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsweetened apple juice

How to prepare

Discard the giblets and neck of the chicken (or save for stock).
Rinse the chicken under cold, running water, and pat it dry.
Set it aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the yellow squash, zucchini, onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until tender-crisp.
Drain the vegetables.
Combine the vegetable mixture, breadcrumbs, egg, pecans, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir well.
Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan that has been coated with cooking spray.
Stuff it lightly with the dressing mixture.
Truss the chicken (or put a ball of foil in the opening).
Combine the apple juice and honey, stirring well.
Brush the chicken with half of the apple juice-honey mixture.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 – 2 hours or until the drumsticks are easy to move and the juices run clear, basting occasionally with the remaining apple-honey mixture.

Variations

Substitute the pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
Add dried cranberries or raisins to the stuffing mixture for a touch of sweetness.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms in the stuffing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the chicken thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.

- Trussing the chicken helps it cook evenly and retain its shape.

- Basting the chicken with the apple juice-honey mixture helps keep it moist and adds flavor.

- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey-baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with rice or quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

Trussing the chicken helps it cook evenly and retain its shape.

- Basting the chicken with the apple juice-honey mixture adds flavor and moisture.

- Roasting the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer time ensures that it cooks through evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.

- Substitute the yellow squash and zucchini with other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.

- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture and truss the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can save time on busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the honey-baked chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Serve it on a platter with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of the apple juice-honey mixture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the honey-baked chicken with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Vitamin C: 15% DV

Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains nuts (pecans)

Summary

This honey-baked chicken recipe is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Honey-baked chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a blend of sweet honey, savory chicken, and flavorful vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner with some friends. As I walked into the backyard where the dinner was taking place, the aroma of honey-baked chicken filled the air. I immediately knew I had to learn how to make this delicious dish.

I approached my friend, Sarah, who had brought the honey-baked chicken, and asked her for the recipe. She smiled and said it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. I begged her to share it with me, and after some convincing, she finally agreed.

The next day, Sarah came over to my house and showed me how to make the honey-baked chicken. It was surprisingly simple, with just a few key ingredients: chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sarah explained that the key to a perfect honey-baked chicken was to marinate the chicken in the honey and soy sauce mixture for at least an hour before baking it in the oven.

As we prepared the dish together, Sarah shared stories of how her grandmother had taught her how to cook when she was a young girl. She talked about the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I was inspired by her passion for cooking and knew that I had to continue learning from her.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for honey-baked chicken, adding my own twist here and there. I experimented with different types of honey, varying the amount of garlic, and even trying out different types of chicken. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that warm summer day when I first learned how to make it.

As I continued to cook and bake, I collected recipes from various places and people. I learned how to make Italian lasagna from a neighbor, Chinese dumplings from a co-worker, and French pastries from a local bakery. Each recipe I acquired added to my culinary repertoire and brought me closer to becoming the cook I am today.

One day, as I was flipping through an old cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother, I came across a recipe for honey-baked chicken. I smiled as I read through the ingredients and instructions, realizing that my grandmother had made this dish many times before. I could almost picture her in the kitchen, diligently marinating the chicken and carefully watching it bake in the oven.

I decided to make the honey-baked chicken for my family that night, using my grandmother's recipe. As the dish cooked in the oven, the familiar aroma filled the air, bringing back memories of my childhood and the delicious meals my grandmother used to make. When I served the honey-baked chicken to my family, they all exclaimed how delicious it was and asked for the recipe.

I shared the recipe with them, just as Sarah had shared it with me all those years ago. I explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to marinate the chicken properly. I told them stories of how I had learned to make the dish and the joy it brought me to cook for my loved ones.

As I watched my family enjoy the honey-baked chicken, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and I was grateful for all the recipes I had learned over the years. Each dish held a special place in my heart, reminding me of the people and places that had influenced my culinary journey.

And so, as I continue to cook and bake, I carry with me the memories of the recipes I have learned and the people who have shared them with me. The honey-baked chicken will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the warm summer day when I first learned how to make it and the joy it brings to those who taste it.