Introduction

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts offer a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that brighten up a simple chicken dish. Perfectly baked and glazed with a buttery hot honey sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.

The image shows five pieces of grilled chicken coated in a shiny, dark, spicy sauce with visible herbs and garlic pieces sprinkled on top. One piece is sliced to show the tender, juicy inside that is light golden brown, while the others hold their thick, rounded shapes with crisp, caramelized edges. The sauce pools around the chicken, thick and glossy with bits of spices. A large golden spoon rests on the side, partially covered with the sauce and garlic bits. All of this sits on a white marbled texture background. 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 and rinsed chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a cutting board. Make small 1-inch slit-like cuts across each breast to help the flavors penetrate better.
Step 3: For best results, transfer the coated chicken to a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. Before cooking, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: To prepare the hot honey sauce, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir until the sauce is smooth and thick, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each piece.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then spoon the remaining hot honey sauce on top. Serve with your favorite sides like salad, pasta, or rice.

Tips & Variations

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Swap unsalted butter for ghee for a nuttier sauce.

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 stored separately and warmed before serving.

How to Serve

A round black pan with a red handle holds three large pieces of cooked chicken breast, glazed with a glossy dark brown sauce speckled with green herbs and small garlic bits. One chicken piece is sliced into four thick pieces, showing a juicy, light golden interior with a slight charred edge. A metal fork with a wooden handle and a golden spoon rest inside the pan. Around the pan, fresh green basil leaves sit on a white marbled textured surface along with a beige cloth. The sauce is shiny and oily, pooling around the chicken, adding a rich texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your seasoning blend and other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe naturally contains no gluten.

What can I serve with hot honey baked chicken?

This chicken pairs well with fresh salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, pasta, basmati or brown rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.