Spicy Chili Chicken Drumettes

Valentine's Day is approaching, and I don't know about you, but my favourite thing to do is simply cuddle up on the couch with some delicious appetizers, and watch a romantic movie with my husband! He's a great sport about this once a year girly movie marathon.

I'm sharing two of my go-to dishes that are the perfect nibbles to enjoy in your pyjamas: Caramelized Onion Dip and Spicy Chili Chicken Drumettes.

The two dishes balance one another - the cool onion dip is the perfect contrast to the spicy chicken.

I am absolutely in love with potato chips, so the onion dip is my idea of heaven. If you want to be a bit healthier, you can always swap out the chips for carrot sticks and celery. This dip also brings back memories of the instant powdered mix that was often served at parties during my childhood - does anybody else remember that stuff?!

If you're looking for date night movie recommendations, here are a few of our favourites: The Way We Were, Officer and a Gentleman, Love Story, The Notebook, and finally, the hilarious and wacky Princess Bride (my 22 year old son and his 18 year old sister have this film on repeat!)

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Spicy Chili Chicken Drumettes

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds chicken drumettes or wingettes

Chili Rub

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons onion flakes

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Spicy Chilli Sauce

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup sambal oelek or chili sauce

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

For rub, in large bowl, mix together all the ingredients; set aside.

For chili sauce, in small bowl combine all the ingredients; set aside.

Rinse chicken and pat dry well. Toss chicken in bowl with spices. Place chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet placed over another rimmed baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated 300F oven, for 55 minutes to 60 minutes, turning once.

Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour in chili sauce; toss to coat well. Return chicken to the rimmed baking sheet and continue to cook 20 to 25 minutes longer. Remove to a serving platter.

Serves 4 to 6