Crispy Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting delectable hot honey baked chicken breasts can turn an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering adventure.

Succulent chicken transforms with a sweet and spicy glaze that promises pure excitement.

Bold flavors dance across your plate, combining sticky honey with fiery chili notes.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between warmth and sweetness.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine in unexpected ways.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken tenderloins, thighs, or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

• How spicy is this hot honey chicken?

The recipe has a medium heat level due to cayenne peppers, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. You can reduce spices to make it milder or add more for extra kick.

• Is marinating necessary for this recipe?

While not mandatory, marinating for 3 hours or overnight enhances flavor and helps chicken absorb seasonings. If short on time, you can skip marinating.

• What can I substitute for Mike's Hot Honey?

You can make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Alternatively, use regular honey and add extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Why Hot Honey Baked Chicken Is Tasty

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Packed with bold, zesty seasonings like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne, this chicken recipe delivers a powerful punch of taste that will excite your palate.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to adjust spice levels, swap chicken cuts, and pair with various sides like salad, pasta, or rice, making it perfect for different preferences and meal styles.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components ahead of time, store ingredients separately, and quickly assemble when needed, providing convenience for busy individuals seeking delicious and quick meals.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Adaptable to multiple cooking methods including oven-baking and skillet preparation, giving you the freedom to choose based on your kitchen setup and cooking mood.

Key Ingredients For Hot Honey Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh protein base that forms the main component of this delicious dish.
• Chicken Tenderloins, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Drumsticks: Alternative protein options that can be used in the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes: Robust spice mixture that creates a complex and flavorful coating for the chicken.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for the hot honey sauce.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create the signature hot honey glaze.
• Cayenne Peppers, Chili Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers spicy heat and depth to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces aromatic and pungent flavor to the sauce.

• Basmati Rice, Brown Rice, Salad, Pasta: Complementary side dishes that pair well with the hot honey baked chicken.

• Mike's Hot Honey: Preferred store-bought hot honey for an extra flavor boost.

Step-By-Step Hot Honey Baked Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Gently massage chicken with olive oil and a blend of spices including salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

Ensure every inch of the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Create Decorative Cuts

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice small, strategic cuts across the top of each chicken breast.

These cuts will help the sauce penetrate deeper and create a beautiful presentation.

Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Transfer seasoned chicken to a sealed container or bag.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, though overnight marinating delivers the most intense flavor.

Before cooking, allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Hot Honey Sauce

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

• Honey
• Cayenne peppers
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Remove from heat.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Arrange and Sauce

Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

Generously drizzle half the hot honey sauce over the chicken, reserving the remaining sauce for later.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy on the outside, and completely cooked through on the inside.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven and let chicken rest briefly.

Drizzle remaining hot honey sauce over the top.

Serve alongside your favorite accompaniments like salad, pasta, or rice.

Step 9: Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat by baking on a sheet for a few minutes, adding extra hot honey if desired.

Step 10: Flexible Protein Options

While chicken breasts work wonderfully, this recipe adapts beautifully to chicken tenderloins, thighs, and drumsticks.

Adjust cooking time as needed.

Step 11: Flavor Customization

Feel free to modify spice levels to suit your taste.

The recipe offers bold flavors, so don’t hesitate to dial ingredients up or down.

Step 12: Pro Tip

For an authentic hot honey experience, try Mike’s Hot Honey as a ready-made sauce option.

Tips For Perfect Honey Baked Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the seasoning mix for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Create 1-inch cuts on chicken breasts to help seasonings penetrate deeper and ensure even cooking.
• Modify cayenne and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance while maintaining the recipe's bold flavor profile.
• Swap chicken breasts with tenderloins, thighs, or drumsticks for different texture and cooking experiences.
• Store leftovers in a sealed container and warm in the oven to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations For Honey Baked Chicken

• Spicy Maple Chicken: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and add cayenne pepper for an extra kick, creating a sweet and fiery flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Herbal Chicken: Swap out current seasonings with oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest, using Greek yogurt as a marinade base for tender meat.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener, keeping all other spices identical for a ketogenic-friendly option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use alternative thickening agents like arrowroot powder in the sauce for sensitive diets.

Pairing Suggestions For Hot Honey Chicken

• Saucy Companion Classics: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or soft garlic rice to balance the chicken's spicy kick.
• Zesty Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish that cuts through the heat.
• Cooling Comfort Sides: Serve with cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to provide a refreshing contrast to the hot honey's warmth.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a crisp riesling or slightly sweet white wine that complements the dish's spicy-sweet profile.

Storage Guidelines For Honey Baked Chicken

• Store chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Drizzle extra hot honey before serving to restore moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Separate chicken and hot honey sauce into different containers. Keep sauce in sealed jar in refrigerator. Reheat chicken separately to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy sweetness meets juicy chicken in this irresistible Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe. Zesty honey glaze and perfectly seasoned breasts create a mouthwatering dish that will elevate your dinner game and satisfy crave-worthy flavor seekers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) organic chicken breasts

Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Pinch of sea salt

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup organic raw honey

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean and rinse chicken breasts, then combine with olive oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete coating.
2. Create shallow, evenly spaced cuts across the surface of each chicken breast using a sharp knife.
3. For optimal flavor, marinate chicken in a sealed container for 3-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
4. Craft the hot honey sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, then incorporate honey and remaining spices, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Heat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Arrange marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces. Generously drizzle half the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
7. Roast for 30-35 minutes until exterior turns golden and crispy, and interior reaches complete doneness.
8. Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven. Finish by adding remaining hot honey sauce before serving alongside preferred accompaniments like salad or rice.
9. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat by baking briefly, adding extra hot honey if desired.
10. Recipe adapts well to various chicken cuts including tenderloins, thighs, and drumsticks. Adjust seasonings according to personal taste preferences.
11. For an authentic hot honey experience, consider using Mike’s Hot Honey as a recommended finishing touch.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for deeper flavor, letting spices penetrate and tenderize meat overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste.
• Create strategic cuts on chicken breasts to help seasonings seep into meat and promote even cooking, ensuring juicy results.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and red pepper flakes, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy preference.
• Try protein alternatives like chicken thighs or tenderloins, maintaining similar cooking techniques for versatile meal options.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 407 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg