RestaurantsNeighbors Tap & TableChicken Cracklin’ Basket Recipe

Chicken Cracklin’ Basket Recipe

Time15m
Serves4

Silk chili spiced cracklins, lightly tossed in mango habanero sauce.

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Ingredients

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Cracklins and Sauce

Silk Chili Spice Blend (makes ~3 tbsp)

Method

Silk Chili Spice Blend

1

Make spice blend

Combine smoked paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar and fine sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk until uniform. Set aside.

Cracklins and Sauce

2

Prepare sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the mango habanero sauce, unsalted butter, honey, fresh lime juice and black pepper. Warm gently, stirring until butter melts and sauce is glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust honey or lime to balance heat and sweetness. Keep warm on the lowest setting.

3

Toss cracklins with spice

Place the pork cracklings in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons neutral oil and sprinkle the silk chili spice blend and sea salt over them. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss briskly until the cracklings are evenly coated with spice and oil. Work quickly so the cracklings remain crisp, about 30–45 seconds.

4

Finish with sauce

Pour the warm mango habanero butter sauce over the spiced cracklings in two quick additions, tossing immediately after each addition so the sauce lightly glazes the cracklings without making them soggy. Aim for a light, even coating — you may not use all the sauce if you prefer them drier. Total toss time 20–30 seconds.

5

Season and rest

Taste a piece and adjust seasoning: add a pinch more sea salt or a squeeze of lime if desired. Let the coated cracklings rest 1 minute so the glaze sets slightly.

Garnish & Serve

6

If using, arrange microgreens or shredded cabbage on a shallow serving basket or plate to create a bed. Pile the glazed cracklings on top.

7

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the cracklings. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

8

Best served hot and fresh to maintain crispness. Leftovers will soften; to re-crisp briefly return to a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes, then toss with a small amount of warmed sauce if needed.