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Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

4.9 from 114 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).
  8. 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