Introduction

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts offer a delicious blend of sweet heat and savory flavors that make weeknight dinners exciting. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a spicy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.

A large silver mixing bowl is held by a pair of woman's hands with orange painted nails, resting on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there are several pieces of chicken coated in a thick, dark red and brown spice mix with visible herbs and chili flakes, giving the chicken a textured and richly seasoned look. The chicken pieces are layered unevenly, showing their moist and marinated texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp sea salt
6 Tbsps unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup organic raw honey
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika. Mix well until each piece is fully coated.
Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Make small, slit-like cuts about 1 inch apart on the top of each breast to help flavors absorb.
Step 3: For best flavor, transfer the coated chicken to a sealed ziplock bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: To make the hot honey sauce, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Cook, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken breasts side by side, leaving space between each.
Step 7: Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each chicken breast, reserving the rest for later.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside, and cooked through.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let the chicken cool slightly. Drizzle the remaining hot honey sauce over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and keeps the meat juicy.
Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
For a smoky twist, try adding a splash of smoked hot sauce to the honey glaze.
Serve with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture and flavor. The hot honey sauce can be reheated separately and spooned over the chicken just before serving.

How to Serve

A black pan with a bright red handle holds four grilled chicken breasts covered in a shiny sauce with herbs and small garlic pieces. One chicken breast is cut into three slices showing a juicy, light brown inside with a crispy edge. The sauce in the pan is dark brown and oily with herbs spread on top. A gold spoon and a two-prong fork with a wooden handle rest inside the pan. Around the pan, there are a few green basil leaves on a white marbled surface and a beige cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well with this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Adjust baking time as needed, usually 35-40 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is the hot honey sauce spicy?

The sauce has a balanced heat from cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, combined with the sweetness of honey. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes.