If there is one recipe of mine you need to try it’s this spicy honey Tabasco chicken. If you like sweet and spicy this is the sauce for you! The honey gives it a thick, rich texture, and the Tabasco gives it the best spice. My entire family is obsessed with this recipe, and I am so excited to share it with you! I have to give all the credit to my momma for coming up with this idea. Her original recipe uses brown sugar instead of honey. I switched out the brown sugar for honey to give it that classic “healthyishdish” healthier spin. Feel free to use either honey or brown sugar when re-creating!
Cooking the Spicy Honey Tabasco Chicken:
The tried and true recipe that my mom created involves pan frying the chicken in avocado oil. I usually use the air fryer to cook the chicken, because I have found that it’s less messy and a little lighter. I will provide tips and tricks for both cooking methods, because I believe both are great options.
Air Fryer:
To cook the chicken in the air fryer start by pre-heating the air fryer to 390 degrees for three minutes. Once the air fryer is pre-heated, add the chicken in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece so that it can cook evenly. The spacing is important as it allows the entire chicken tender to get crispy and cook through. Once all of the chicken strips are layered in the air fryer, drizzle the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Cook the chicken at 390 degrees for about six minutes, then flip the chicken, drizzle with more avocado oil and cook for another four to six minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 degrees. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can remove one of the thicker chicken tenders and cut it in half to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.
Pan Frying:
In a large skillet add enough avocado oil to the bottom of the pan to completely cover the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, this should be about 1/2 a cup. Please note, avocado oil and coconut oil are the only types of oil I have used to make this recipe. I am sure that there are other oils that you can use as a replacement, but these are the only two that I recommend. Allow your oil to heat thoroughly before adding the chicken. I test the oil by dropping a few breadcrumbs into the oil. When the breadcrumbs sizzle and bubble then the oil is ready. Add the chicken in a single layer leaving space between each piece. Cook for about five minutes and then flip the piece. Cook another 5 minutes and then check the temperature. The chicken is done when it has reached 165 degrees.
Breadcrumbs & Other Ingredients:
When it comes to breadcrumbs there are so many different options. I prefer to use panko for this recipe, and tend to stick with gluten free panko as often as possible. Aside from panko, one other thing I have tried is grinding up Simple Mills crackers to create a bread crumb. This has worked well as a paleo option for breadcrumbs. Feel free to use whatever your favorite type is.
Serving the Chicken:
My mom loves to make this recipe with homemade french fries, and a big batch of coleslaw. This combo is one of my favorites as well. However, lately I’ve really been liking serving the chicken over a huge bed of lettuce with tons of chopped veggies and a side of ranch. Some of my favorite veggies to pair with the chicken are bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and radish. Finally, you could also stuff the chicken into a wrap with lettuce and other fresh veggies and pair it with a side of ranch. Overall, this recipe is incredibly versatile and tastes good with so many different things.
Air Fried Spicy Tabasco Honey Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken - cut into strips (about 3 large chicken breasts)
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 1/4 cups bread crumbs
- 2-4 tbsp avocado oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Sweet & Spicy Honey Tobasco Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter or ghee
- 2 oz Tabasco (I buy the 2oz bottle & just use the whole thing)
- 3 tbsp honey (sub brown sugar)
Instructions
- Start by slicing chicken into strips - usually about 5 pieces/breast
- In a bowl add your breadcrumbs and salt and pepper. In another bowl whisk your two eggs
- Dip the chicken strips into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture
- Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 3 minutes
- Once all of the chicken strips are breaded, add them to the air fryer in a single layer (you may have to do two batches). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over the chicken and cook for approximately 6 minutes. Flip and drizzle the other side with 1 tbsp of avocado oil and cook another 4-6 minutes until the inside of the chicken is at least 165 degrees.
Hot Honey Tabasco Sauce
- In a small saucepan add the honey and Tabasco and combine until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined
- Stir in the honey and bring the mixture to a very gentle boil
- Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for at least 5-10 minutes so the sauce can thicken and the flavors can combine
- Once sauce is combined - pour over chicken strips and gently toss to coat.