Trisha Yearwood Gives Nashville's Hot Chicken a Quick + Easy Makeover

Step 1

Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic and gently mix with your hands until combined

Step 3

Divide the meat mixture into 12 portions, then form them into meatballs using wet hands

Step 4

(Meat sticks to dry hands

Step 5

) Push a piece of cheese into each meatball and pinch the meat mixture around it to enclose the cheese

Step 6

In a large ovenproof sauté pan, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat until combined and shimmering, about 2 minutes

Step 7

Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, 5 to 8 minutes

Step 8

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs

Step 9

Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small saucepot, combine the butter, hot sauce, honey, and brown sugar

Step 10

Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring continuously, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the mixture comes together, 2 to 3 minutes

Step 11

Remove from the heat, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir until smooth

Step 12

Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the sauce over them

Step 13

Toss to coat

Step 14

Sprinkle with the parsley

Step 15

Add a pickle chip to each bun, then set a meatball on top

Step 16

Skewer with a toothpick

Step 17

Serve warm