Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce

Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes to 8 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of hot pepper sauce with the creamy coolness of ranch dressing. This recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of hot wings but want a healthier alternative.

History

Hot wings have been a popular dish in the United States for decades, with origins dating back to the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. The combination of spicy hot sauce and butter-coated chicken wings quickly became a favorite among bar-goers and sports fans. This recipe takes that classic hot wing flavor and transforms it into a healthier and more nutritious meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (or to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 oz/113 g each), all visible fat discarded
vegetable oil spray
1 cup cornflake crumbs (about 2 cups flakes)
0.25 cup fat-free or light sour cream
0.25 cup low-fat buttermilk
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp dried dill weed, crumbled

How to prepare

In a large shallow bowl, stir together the hot-pepper sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Add the chicken and turn to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours, turning occasionally if longer than 30 minutes.
Discard the marinade.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Lightly spray an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil spray.
Put the cornflake crumbs on a plate.
Turn the chicken to coat both sides.
Transfer the chicken to the baking pan.
Lightly spray the top of the chicken with vegetable oil spray.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the coating is crisp.
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more hot pepper sauce to the marinade.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier ranch sauce.
Add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top of the chicken before serving for a traditional hot wing flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Use cornflake crumbs for a crispy coating that is lower in calories than traditional bread crumbs.

- Be sure to spray the chicken with vegetable oil before baking to help the coating crisp up in the oven.

- Serve the chicken with the ranch sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzle it over the top for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic hot wing experience. You can also serve it over a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken in the oven helps to keep it moist while still achieving a crispy coating.

- Marinating the chicken before cooking helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.

- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflake crumbs for a crunchier coating.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

- The ranch sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. - Drizzle extra hot pepper sauce on top for a more intense flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

- Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea to cool down the heat from the hot pepper sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6% DV

- Vitamin C: 10% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (sour cream and buttermilk)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and contains moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

Summary

Hot Wing-flavored Chicken with Ranch Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the spicy heat of hot pepper sauce with the creamy richness of ranch dressing. This recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of hot wings but want a healthier alternative that is still packed with flavor. Enjoy this dish with friends and family for a fun and tasty meal!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, living in a small town in the countryside. I was always curious about cooking and loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

One day, while visiting my aunt in the city, she took me to a local restaurant that was famous for their hot wings. I had never tried anything like it before, and I was instantly hooked. The spicy, tangy flavor of the wings was like nothing I had ever tasted, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I asked the chef at the restaurant if he would be willing to share his recipe with me, and to my surprise, he agreed. He took me into the kitchen and showed me how to make the perfect hot wing sauce, using a combination of hot sauce, butter, and secret spices. I was amazed at how simple it was to make, yet how delicious the end result was.

I immediately went home and tried to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen. I made a few adjustments here and there, adding my own touch to the sauce, and before I knew it, I had created my own version of hot wing-flavored chicken.

I was so proud of my creation that I decided to share it with my family and friends. They were all amazed at how delicious it was, and they begged me to make it for them again and again. That's when I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my hot wing-flavored chicken recipe, adding new ingredients and experimenting with different cooking techniques. One day, while visiting a friend in the city, I was introduced to a new twist on the classic hot wing sauce – ranch dressing.

My friend explained that ranch dressing was the perfect complement to the spicy flavor of the hot wings, adding a cool and creamy element to the dish. I was intrigued by the idea and decided to give it a try.

I mixed together a batch of homemade ranch dressing and drizzled it over my hot wing-flavored chicken. The combination of flavors was out of this world – the tangy hot sauce paired perfectly with the creamy ranch dressing, creating a dish that was both spicy and refreshing.

I shared my new creation with my family, and they were blown away by how delicious it was. They couldn't get enough of the hot wing-flavored chicken with ranch sauce, and soon it became a staple at our family gatherings and celebrations.

As the years went by, I continued to make my hot wing-flavored chicken with ranch sauce for my loved ones, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. It has become a beloved family tradition, a dish that brings us all together and reminds us of the happy memories we have shared over the years.

I am grateful for the day I discovered this recipe, as it has brought so much joy and delight to my family and friends. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing my creations with the people I love is the greatest joy of all.

I may have learned this recipe from a chef in a restaurant many years ago, but it has since become my own, a dish that reflects my creativity and love for cooking. I will continue to make my hot wing-flavored chicken with ranch sauce for years to come, creating new memories and spreading happiness one delicious bite at a time.