Cheddar honey hot sauce is a delectable and zesty condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. While the store-bought version may be convenient, there’s nothing quite like making it from scratch in your own kitchen.
Not only does it taste better, but you also have control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more nutritious option. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making your very own cheddar honey hot sauce with simple ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. So let’s get started!
What is Cheddar Honey Hot Sauce?
Cheddar honey hot sauce is a spicy and tangy condiment that has the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity. It is made by combining hot pepper sauce, honey, lemon juice, and other seasonings to create a versatile and flavorful sauce.
Originally popularized by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, a casual dining chain in the United States, this sauce has gained widespread popularity and is now a staple in many households. It can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for various proteins like chicken, beef, or seafood.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Honey Hot Sauce?
- Affordable: Making your own cheddar honey hot sauce is not only healthier but also budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it a cost-effective option.
- Customizable: You can adjust the heat level of the sauce by using more or less hot pepper sauce according to your preference.
- Versatile: This sauce can be used in various ways – as a dip for appetizers, a marinade for meats, or a glaze for roasted vegetables.
- Delicious: The combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes this sauce irresistible and adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
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Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Choose boneless and skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
- Vegetable oil: Use any neutral-flavored oil such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil.
- Hot pepper sauce: Any hot sauce of your choice will work. You can use store-bought hot sauce or make your own.
- Honey: Use pure honey for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Directions
Step 1
Make the sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the hot pepper sauce, honey, and lemon juice.
- Set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 3
Cook the chicken
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Step 4
Add the sauce
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken to coat evenly.
Step 5
Bake and Serve
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Here are some helpful notes to keep in mind when making cheddar honey hot sauce:
- The heat level of the sauce can be adjusted by using more or less hot pepper sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on the stovetop before pouring it over the chicken.
- Make sure to use pure honey for the best flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover cheddar honey hot sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To reheat, you can either microwave it or warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few delicious ways to use your homemade cheddar honey hot sauce:
- As a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, french fries, or onion rings.
- As a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.
- As a glaze for roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
What other substitute can I use in Cheddar Honey Hot Sauce?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or prefer to use substitutes, here are a few options:
- Hot sauce: You can use any hot sauce of your choice such as Sriracha, Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or even homemade hot sauce.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
Cheddar Honey Hot Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- Skillet
- baking
Ingredients
- 8 chicken breasts boneless Tender and juicy chicken breasts, boneless, providing a hearty and protein-packed base.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil High-quality vegetable oil is perfect for achieving a crispy and golden exterior while ensuring a moist and succulent interior.
- 10 tbsp hot pepper sauce A generous amount of hot pepper sauce infuses the dish with a bold and spicy kick, elevating the flavor profile.
- 12 tbsp honey Pure honey in abundance adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes during cooking, creating a delightful and slightly sticky glaze.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed Freshly squeezed lemon juice lends a zesty and citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper to taste A pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper, enhance the overall taste by bringing out the savory notes and adding a subtle, peppery depth to the dish. Adjust to your preference for the perfect seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining the hot pepper sauce, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl. Set this tantalizing mixture aside.
- Time to get cooking – preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It is best to use boneless and skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Once you have them ready, sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper on both sides.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat up your choice of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they turn a delectable golden brown color.
- Give your chicken breasts some love by adding the heavenly sauce you prepared earlier. Take the skillet off the heat and pour the sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
- All that’s left is baking! Place the skillet in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until your chicken is cooked through and the sauce has transformed into a luscious, caramelized glaze. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- The heat level of the sauce can be adjusted by using more or less hot pepper sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on the stovetop before pouring it over the chicken.
- Make sure to use pure honey for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this?
Absolutely! The bone-in chicken will work just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make a vegetarian version of this sauce?
You can omit the chicken and use the cheddar honey hot sauce as a glaze or dip for roasted vegetables.
Does it taste like store-bought cheddar honey hot sauce?
While the flavors may be similar, making your own cheddar honey hot sauce allows for more customization and a fresher taste. Plus, you have control over the quality of ingredients used. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Conclusion
Goodbye to store-bought hot sauces and hello to your own homemade cheddar honey hot sauce! With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate any dish with this delicious and versatile condiment.
Plus, it’s healthier and more cost-effective than its store-bought counterparts. Experiment with different heat levels and serving suggestions to make it your own.
Thank you for reading this article. Make sure to share this with your friends and family so they can enjoy this tasty sauce too!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.