Introduction

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This easy recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in a bold seasoning blend and drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that adds a delicious kick. It’s a simple yet impressive dish for weeknights or gatherings.

A red pan with a black interior holds three large pieces of grilled chicken breast, richly coated in a dark, glossy sauce with visible herbs and small garlic pieces sprinkled on top. One of the chicken breasts is sliced, showing a juicy, cooked inside with a light brown color. A golden-colored spoon and a two-pronged fork with a wooden handle rest on the right side of the pan, partially in the sauce. Around the pan, fresh green basil leaves and a beige cloth napkin sit on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon sea salt
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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika. Mix well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and make small slit-like cuts about 1 inch apart on each breast to help the flavors penetrate.
Step 3: For best results, marinate the chicken by sealing it in a ziplock bag and refrigerating for at least 3 hours or preferably 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 for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet with space between each piece. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each breast.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then spoon the remaining hot honey sauce on top before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides like salad, pasta, or rice.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer alternative.
Try swapping raw honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The hot honey sauce can also be refrigerated separately and warmed before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of grilled chicken breast with a shiny, dark brown glaze covering the surface, speckled with green herbs and small bits of garlic. One chicken breast is sliced into thick pieces, revealing a juicy, golden interior with a slightly charred crust. The chicken sits in a dark sauce full of herbs and spices, creating a rich glaze that adds a glossy texture to the meat. A silver spoon rests on the side, partially coated in the sauce with visible garlic pieces. The dish is set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper flavor absorption.

Is it necessary to make the slits in the chicken breasts?

Making slits helps the marinade and sauce penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.