Honey Bake chicken ham

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! This Copycat Honey Bake chicken ham recipe is a treasure that has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy yet delicious or for family gatherings where everyone is craving comfort food. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish!

The best part? This recipe is simple to make but yields results that taste like they came from a gourmet restaurant. The combination of honey and spices gives it a sweet and savory flavor, while the kitchen torch creates that magical candy-like crust. It’s truly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors, making it an instant hit for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for meal prep: You can easily make this ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Impressive presentation: The beautiful glaze and crunchy exterior will wow your guests at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that you might already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the delicious flavor profile of this Honey Bake chicken ham.

• 1 half spiral cut chicken ham (7-8 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken ham, try using turkey ham or even a whole roasted chicken!
• Change up the spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Add some zest: A little lemon or orange zest mixed into the glaze can brighten up the flavors.
• Go sweet with toppings: Consider drizzling with more honey or maple syrup before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Honey Bake chicken ham

Step 1: Choose Your Chicken Ham

Start by selecting a high-quality chicken ham. I recommend going for a bone-in spiral cut option since it adds so much flavor. Make sure it’s fully cooked and labeled as smoked; this will set you up for delicious success!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Positioning the rack in the lower third ensures even cooking and helps prevent burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Ham

Unwrap your lovely chicken ham and remove any netting or packaging. If there is a glaze packet inside, toss it out! We have our own plans for this beauty. Place the ham flat-side down on a roasting rack in your pan; this keeps it crispy instead of soggy.

Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, melt two tablespoons of butter then mix in one tablespoon of dijon mustard and one-third cup of honey. Stir until it’s well combined—this sweet glaze will elevate your chicken ham!

Step 5: Massage That Glaze

Now comes the fun part! Use your hands to massage that honey mixture all over the chicken ham—make sure to get into those spiral cuts too! It’s okay if some drips into the pan; scoop it back up and use every bit!

Step 6: Add Water and Cover

Pour about one cup of water into your roasting pan to keep everything moist while baking. Then cover with foil—this step is key in preventing your chicken ham from drying out during cooking.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake your chicken ham at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours and twenty minutes. Remember, it’s already cooked; we just need to heat it through until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, let it cool outside of the oven for about fifteen to twenty minutes while keeping it covered with foil. This helps retain moisture.

Step 9: Prepare the Dry Rub

In another bowl, combine one-and-a-half cups of granulated sugar with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, and allspice. This dry rub will give your chicken ham that memorable crunch!

Step 10: Coat with Sugar

Transfer half of your sugar mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet. Uncover your cooled chicken ham and roll it in that sugary goodness until every inch is coated!

Step 11: Torch Time!

Here comes my favorite part—using the kitchen torch! Keep it moving as you caramelize that sugar coating until it’s bubbly and shiny. This creates a stunning crackly shell around your chicken ham.

Step 12: Serve with Style

You can serve immediately or place back into a warm oven until you’re ready—just remember to cover again to keep moisture locked in!

Step 13: Create Serving Glaze

Lastly, mix up some serving glaze using remaining sugar mixture combined with drippings from your pan (or water if preferred). Heat until thickened slightly before serving alongside your beautifully glazed chicken ham.

And there you have it—an incredible Honey Bake chicken ham ready to steal the show at any meal! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Bake Chicken Ham

Creating the perfect Honey Bake chicken ham is easier than you might think, especially with a few handy tips!

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Selecting a high-quality chicken ham will significantly enhance the flavor. A bone-in spiral-cut chicken ham is recommended for its moisture and taste.
• Massage the Glaze: Don’t just brush on the honey glaze—massage it into the meat. This ensures that every bite is infused with that sweet, savory goodness.
• Use a Kitchen Torch: For that signature crispy finish, a kitchen torch is your best friend. It allows for precise caramelization of the sugar, giving you that delightful crunchy exterior without overcooking the meat.
• Keep It Moist: Adding water to the bottom of your roasting pan helps create steam which keeps your chicken ham moist during baking. This step is crucial for preventing dryness.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the glaze and dry rub in advance. This not only saves time on serving day but also allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.

How to Serve Honey Bake Chicken Ham

Presenting your Honey Bake chicken ham can make all the difference at your dinner table. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
• Citrus Wedges: Lemon or orange wedges not only brighten up your plate visually but also add a refreshing zest when squeezed over the meat.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables, roasted until tender, complements the sweet flavors of the chicken ham beautifully.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the honey glaze.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds provide a delightful crunch and balance out the richness of the ham.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the savory sweetness of your main dish.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well on your way to impressing your family and friends with this delightful Honey Bake chicken ham! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Copycat Honey Baked Chicken Ham recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken ham to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap any leftover portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

• Slice or portion the chicken ham before freezing for easier reheating later.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Place the chicken ham in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Optionally, you can use a microwave; just heat on medium power in short intervals until warm.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that may help.

Can I make Honey Bake chicken ham without a kitchen torch?

Yes! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can achieve a similar effect by broiling the chicken ham in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid burning!

How do I store leftover Honey Bake chicken ham?

Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Enjoy them within 3-4 days for the best flavor!

What dishes pair well with Honey Bake chicken ham?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The sweet and savory flavors complement many sides beautifully!

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken ham?

While this recipe is specifically tailored for chicken ham, you could experiment with turkey or other smoked meats; however, cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into creating your very own Copycat Honey Baked Chicken Ham! It’s truly a special dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy making it as much as I did, and don’t forget to share your delightful results with friends and family. Happy cooking!