These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. The tender chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection and topped with a homemade hot honey sauce that’s packed with flavor. With crispy edges and a juicy interior, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Whether served with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 40-45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & spicy – The hot honey sauce brings the perfect blend of heat and sweetness to the chicken.
- Simple & quick – With just 10 minutes of prep and 30-35 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal in no time.
- Juicy & flavorful – The chicken is seasoned and baked to perfection, with crispy edges and tender, juicy meat.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Perfect for meal prep – This recipe is great for preparing ahead of time and can be served with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts – Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – For coating the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend – A blend of seasonings for a flavorful base (or make your own blend).
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt – For seasoning.
For the Homemade Hot Honey Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base of the sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – For aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup organic raw honey – The star of the sauce for natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds heat to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a rich, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – For added spice.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – For extra flavor depth.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder – For a warm, slightly earthy flavor.
- Pinch of sea salt – For balance.
Directions
1. Prep and Season the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken by placing it in a ziplock bag and refrigerating for at least 3 hours (or overnight). Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Make Slit-like Cuts on the Chicken:
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Make small slit-like cuts on top of each breast, about 1 inch apart. This allows the sauce to soak in better and adds to the texture.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and thick, then remove from heat.
4. Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a skillet if preferred).
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each chicken breast.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the top before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 3 hours (optional)
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy level – Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to make the dish more or less spicy.
- Add a smoky twist – Use chipotle powder in place of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Garlic butter option – Add an extra tablespoon of butter for a richer, buttery flavor in the sauce.
- Crispy chicken – For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the oven for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work perfectly with this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before using.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey if preferred.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, with tender chicken topped with a rich hot honey sauce. Whether for a quick dinner, a family meal, or a flavorful addition to your weeknight rotation, this dish delivers both satisfying flavors and easy preparation. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone! Enjoy!
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Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts
These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are the ultimate sweet and spicy dish! The juicy, tender chicken is perfectly seasoned and topped with a homemade hot honey sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. With crispy edges and a succulent interior, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 40-45 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, mouthwatering dinner.
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Homemade Hot Honey Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons 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
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Make Slit-like Cuts: Make small slit-like cuts on top of each chicken breast to help the sauce soak in better.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, then stir in honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and sea salt. Stir until smooth and thick, then remove from heat.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts on the sheet and spoon half of the hot honey sauce over them. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Spicy Level: Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Smoky Twist: Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder for an added smoky, spicy flavor.
- Crispy Chicken: Broil for 3-5 minutes at the end of baking for extra crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
