This Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe brings together juicy, oven-baked chicken with a bold, sticky homemade hot honey glaze. Infused with garlic, spices, and butter, the sauce caramelizes beautifully over each breast, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food with a fiery twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Flavorful: Ready in under an hour with bold flavor in every bite.
- Customizable Heat: You can tone it down or fire it up.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully and stays moist.
- Family Favorite: Sweet and spicy combo even picky eaters love.
- No Frying Needed: Baked for a healthier twist without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
CHICKEN:
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (or homemade, see Notes)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
HOMEMADE HOT HONEY SAUCE:
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup organic raw honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
Prep and Season Chicken
- Clean and pat dry the chicken breasts.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl and add the olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Toss the chicken until well coated.
- On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to create slit-like cuts across the top of each chicken breast, about 1 inch apart. This helps the sauce absorb better.
- (Optional but recommended) — For deeper flavor, place seasoned chicken in a sealed Ziploc bag and marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, cayenne, smoked paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and pinch of salt.
- Simmer, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prep a skillet.
- Arrange chicken breasts side by side on the sheet, leaving space between each.
- Spoon half of the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the remaining hot honey sauce over the top before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Mild Version: Skip the cayenne and reduce pepper flakes for less heat.
- Different Cuts: You can also use thighs, drumsticks, or tenderloins.
- Grill It: This recipe works great on the grill too—just baste while cooking.
- Double the Sauce: It’s so good, make extra for dipping or rice drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Pair with basmati or brown rice.
- On a Salad: Slice and add to green goddess or Caesar salads.
- In Sandwiches or Wraps: Toss into wraps with slaw and pickles.
- With Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Meal Bowls: Build a Buddha bowl with grains, roasted veggies, and this chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until hot.
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked, undecorated chicken for up to 2 months.
Notes
- On Everything Blend Substitute: Combine 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried parsley.
- Best Marinate Time: Overnight yields the best flavor depth.
- Thermometer Tip: Always check internal temperature for doneness—165°F is ideal.
- Skillet Option: You can bake this in a cast-iron skillet for deeper caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time by adding 5–10 minutes depending on thickness.
How spicy is this dish?
Medium heat level—but it’s easily customizable to be milder or spicier.
What if I don’t have raw honey?
You can use regular honey or a store-bought hot honey like Mike’s Hot Honey.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes, marinate and prep sauce in advance. Bake fresh for best results.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are sticky, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. With the perfect balance of sweet heat and buttery richness, this dish transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy experience. Whether you serve it with rice, greens, or on a sandwich—get ready for it to become a weekly staple!
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