Introduction

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts offer a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory flavors, making for an irresistible main dish. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a sticky, spicy honey glaze that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

The image shows three large grilled chicken breasts in a black pan with a bright red handle, coated in a dark, shiny glaze with visible herbs and small pieces of garlic scattered on top. Two of the pieces of chicken remain whole, while the third is sliced into four pieces showing a tender, juicy light brown inside with a charred, dark crust on the outside. A golden serving spoon and a meat fork with a wooden handle rest inside the pan on the right. Fresh green basil leaves and a beige cloth are placed around the pan on a white marbled surface. 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 to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and make 1-inch apart slit-like cuts on top of each breast for better flavor absorption.
Step 3: For the best flavor, add 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 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 the 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, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an oven-safe skillet.
Step 7: Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, let the chicken rest briefly, then spoon the remaining hot honey sauce on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and juiciness significantly.
For milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
Serve with a side of basmati rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness and spice.
Try substituting the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat with more fat.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve moisture and flavor. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a little warm water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a black pan filled with four pieces of grilled chicken breast coated in a thick, dark glaze with visible herbs, garlic bits, and red pepper flakes. Three pieces remain whole with a glossy surface and charred edges, while the fourth piece is sliced into three sections, revealing a tender, juicy, light brown inside with a slightly crispy exterior. A golden spoon rests in the pan, partially submerged in the dark sauce that glistens with oil and herbs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe with other types of meat?

Yes, this hot honey glaze also works well with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even pork chops. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your seasoning blends do not contain any gluten additives.