Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Introduction
This Hot Honey Baked Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it a delicious twist on classic baked chicken breasts. Coated in a flavorful hot honey sauce, it’s crispy on the outside and tender inside — a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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 chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and make small 1-inch cuts (“slit-like”) across each breast to help the flavors penetrate.
- Step 3: For best results, marinate the coated chicken in a sealed ziplock bag 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: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 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 thickens and becomes smooth, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: Preheat the 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, spaced slightly apart. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each breast, saving the rest for later.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and fully cooked through.
- Step 9: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly. Spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Step 10: Serve with your favorite sides like salad, pasta, or rice for a complete meal. Bon Appetit!
Tips & Variations
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Try substituting raw honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little honey sauce to keep the chicken moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust baking time to 35-40 minutes depending on thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a skillet instead of baking?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat in a skillet, spooning the sauce over them and covering the pan to ensure even cooking until fully done, about 20-25 minutes.
PrintHot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
This Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a flavorful blend of spices and a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. The chicken is marinated, scored for better flavor absorption, then baked to perfection and drizzled with a homemade spicy honey glaze that balances heat and sweetness effortlessly. Perfect for a comforting yet elevated weeknight meal served alongside salad, pasta, or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time of 3 hours or overnight)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Hot Honey Sauce
- 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
- Prep and season chicken: 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 to evenly coat all chicken pieces.
- Score chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and make small slit-like cuts approximately 1 inch apart across each breast to help flavors penetrate.
- Marinate chicken (optional but recommended): Transfer the coated chicken into a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor. Before cooking, bring the chicken to room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Make hot honey sauce: Heat a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prepare a skillet if you prefer skillet cooking.
- Assemble chicken for baking: Arrange the chicken breasts side by side on the baking sheet or skillet, leaving space between each piece. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each breast, reserving the rest for later.
- Bake chicken: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and thoroughly cooked inside (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken cool slightly. Spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the top and serve with your preferred sides such as salad, pasta, or rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Scoring the chicken breasts allows the marinade and sauce to better penetrate, enhancing flavor.
- Marinating for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight) will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- Use organic ingredients where possible for a fresher, cleaner taste.
- Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Ensure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
Keywords: hot honey chicken, baked chicken breasts, spicy honey sauce, easy chicken dinner, spicy chicken recipe, baked chicken

