Sometimes, the best meals come from the most unexpected flavor combinations. Picture this: tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked, with a sweet, spicy glaze that gives every bite a little zing. The Hot Honey Chicken Breasts are exactly what you need when you’re craving something bold, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. The hot honey adds a kick of heat that’s balanced by the honey’s sweetness, making each bite an irresistible dance of flavors. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
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So, why will you love this recipe? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: You don’t need a lot of time to make this recipe, yet the flavors are big enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you’re craving something simple yet packed with flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey is the star here—it’s a sweet sauce that slowly builds heat with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, which makes this dish so unique and crave-worthy.
Versatile: This chicken can be paired with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad—it goes with just about everything.
Healthy: Chicken breasts are a lean protein, and with the addition of the flavorful hot honey glaze, you get a healthy meal that’s bursting with taste without feeling guilty.
Impressive yet Simple: It’s a great dish to serve to guests or enjoy on a quiet night in. You’ll feel like a chef in your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the simple yet mighty ingredients that make these Hot Honey Chicken Breasts so fantastic:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, ready to absorb all those amazing flavors.
Hot Honey: A sweet and spicy glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. You can buy hot honey or make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken. It adds just the right amount of richness and ensures the chicken gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Garlic Powder: A simple, flavorful addition that helps season the chicken and adds a savory depth to balance the sweet and spicy glaze.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings help bring everything together, elevating the flavor of the chicken.
Butter: A little butter at the end helps to finish the glaze, giving it a smooth, rich texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
Instructions
Here’s how to make these Hot Honey Chicken Breasts that are sure to wow:
Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure each breast is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. You want the pan to be nice and hot so the chicken gets that perfect sear.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the hot honey. If you want to make your own, mix honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Stir to combine and let it warm up.
Finish the Chicken: Add the chicken back into the skillet with the hot honey glaze. Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken, making sure it gets nicely coated. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that sweet and spicy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot honey chicken breasts warm with your favorite sides, and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(Full nutrition details available in the recipe card)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts are perfect on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:
Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with some roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes the perfect contrast to the heat of the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting side dish to serve with flavorful chicken.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Make it Extra Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the glaze. You can even add a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Customize the Glaze: Feel free to get creative with the glaze. Add a splash of lemon juice, a little soy sauce, or a pinch of brown sugar for a different flavor twist.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll still get crispy and juicy with the hot honey glaze.
Meal Prep: This chicken is perfect for meal prep! Cook extra and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great with this recipe and will stay juicy and tender.
Q2: Can I make my own hot honey?
A2: Yes! Simply combine honey with chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for that sweet and spicy kick.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I add veggies to the glaze?
A5: Absolutely! Add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even roasted garlic to the glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Q6: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A6: The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Q7: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A7: You can try maple syrup, agave, or even brown sugar if you’re looking for a different sweetener option.
Q8: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A8: You can cook the chicken and make the glaze ahead of time, then store them separately. Reheat and assemble just before serving.
Q9: How spicy is this recipe?
A9: The spice level is adjustable depending on how much hot honey or chili flakes you use. It’s generally mild to medium, but you can make it hotter if you prefer!
Q10: Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can try this recipe with pork chops, turkey breasts, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Chicken Breasts are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with juicy chicken that’s coated in a flavorful glaze. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this recipe delivers. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are irresistibly juicy and tender, glazed with a homemade sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that includes a garlicky undertone. A gluten-free and meal prep-friendly dish, perfect for make-ahead and air-fryer cooking. Adjust the heat level for your preference!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 lbs organic chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 teaspoons “On Everything All-Purpose Blend” (or use homemade blend – see notes)
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup organic raw honey
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Prep & Season the Chicken:
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In a large bowl, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasonings: sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika. Mix until the chicken is fully coated.
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Make 1-inch slits on top of each chicken breast (evenly spaced).
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Optionally, marinate the chicken in a ziplock bag in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
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In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook until smooth and thick, then remove from heat.
Bake the Chicken:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce over the chicken breasts, reserving the remaining sauce for later.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through.
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Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the chicken.
Serve with your favorite sides like salad, pasta, basmati rice, or brown rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg