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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean and rinse chicken breasts, then combine with olive oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete coating.
- Create shallow, evenly spaced cuts across the surface of each chicken breast using a sharp knife.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces. Generously drizzle half the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes until exterior turns golden and crispy, and interior reaches complete doneness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Recipe adapts well to various chicken cuts including tenderloins, thighs, and drumsticks. Adjust seasonings according to personal taste preferences.
- 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