When Vanna White, the iconic Wheel of Fortune co-host,without flipping the letters, Then his family is sometimes seen in other spotlights. Recently, tar chele,Recently, his son Nikko Santo Pietro made headlines for an unexpected reason:Which was a chicken recipe that was very famous on the internet.And in a candid interview, Nikko describes his viral moment as completely unexpected and the reason it created a lot of curiosity among food fans.And in today’s recipe, we will capture that recipe, Nikkos.
Who Is Nikko Santo Pietro?
Nikko, born in 1994, is the younger of Vanna White’s two children. He was far from the glitz of Hollywood, He used to share glimpses of his life on social media.He is very interested in photography, travel, and cooking.He was not like her famous mother and he loved her private lifestyle.But his recent culinary creations thrust him into the public eye.
The Viral Chicken Recipe
Nikko posted a casual video on Instagram in early 2024 where he showed off “Honey-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Thighs,” a 30-second clip that featured crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze, and his video garnered millions of views.
Why did it go viral?
- Relatability:This recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools or obscure ingredients, making it easy for everyone.
- Visual Appeal: And Nikko’s close-up shots of caramelized glaze dripping from chicken caught viewers’ attention.
- Celebrity Adjacency: Although Nikko isn’t a public figure, his connection to Vanna is more than just an initial curiosity.
- Social Media Algorithms: Foot content thrives on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where it makes quick, satisfying videos trending.
Nikko’s Reaction
In an interview with Food & Wine, Nikko responded that he just cooks for fun and that the video was an afterthought. He later realized that because of the video, fans praised the simplicity of the recipe and many commented that they had tried it themselves.
The Recipe Breakdown
Nikko’s Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the chicken skin side down in an oven-safe skillet for six minutes.
- Then flip it over and mix soy sauce, honey and sriracha and brush the glaze onto the chicken.
- Bake it for 20 minutes and baste halfway through.
Pro Tips from Nikko:
- Let the skin crisp up properly,don’t rush the sear.
- Adjust sriracha for more heat or honey for sweetness.
The Role of Social Media in Modern Recipes
Nikko’s viral moment proves that home cooks can now be as rich as professional chefs.Food stylist Jenna Parks notes, “Authenticity resonates. And people crave realism, not just polished content. And Nikko’s unfiltered video with sizzling sounds and humble presentation is a huge hit.
Family and Fan Reactions
Although Vanna White has not commented publicly, insiders say she is “thrilled but not surprised” by Nikko’s success. Friends flooded Nikko’s with requests for another recipe, to which he jokingly said, “Maybe I’ll start a food blog or not.”
FAQs
Where can I find the full recipe?
Nikko shared it on Instagram but the ingredients and steps are given above here.
Has Nikko pursued cooking professionally?
No, he just cooks for fun, he has other plans as a professional career.
Did Vanna White help promote the recipe?
No, the recipe gained traction organically without her involvement.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
Yes, but this will make the thighs juicier, so you will need to adjust the cooking time so that the breasts don't dry out.
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