Hot Chocolate Chicken

Hot Chocolate Chicken

Serves 6

Yes...you read that correctly.  Hot chocolate and chicken actually complement each other quite well!

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry

2 T. hickory smoked salt

1-2 t. cayenne pepper

Mix spices and rub on all sides of chicken thighs and place in baking dish.  Let sit while you stir up some Rich Hot Chocolate.

Add to baking dish with thighs:

1 large jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced

4 bulbs of garlic

1 1/2 c. of hot chocolate 

Sprinkle with coarse Smoked Paprika Salt, then bake at 385 degrees for 30-40 minutes.  

About 10 minutes before chicken is finished, make some Chocolate Gravy.  That's right...I said CHOCOLATE GRAVY.

In small saucepan, heat and blend:

4 T. butter

2-3 T. flour

When well blended, pour in 1 c. hot chocolate.  Whisk til smooth, then continue adding hot chocolate until gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Sprinkle in additional smoked salt and cayenne to taste

Plate chicken, smother with chocolate gravy, then sprinkle with a final finish of Smoked Paprika Salt.

Pairs well with Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts pan roasted in coconut oil. 

Further complement the flavors with a chilled Moscato or this stellar local STL brew: 4 Hands Barrel Reserve Single Origin...a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with made with Sump Ethiopian Natural Process Coffee, cacao from Tanzania, Madagascar vanilla beans, and a touch of Blueberry to accentuate the natural process coffee.

NOTE: be sure to finish off the night with a shot of Peppermint Schnapps in the remaining hot chocolate!!