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Hot honey baked chicken breasts with golden glaze on parchment-lined baking sheet

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Juicy, tender chicken breasts glazed with homemade sweet and spicy hot honey sauce featuring garlic, cayenne pepper, and aromatic spices for an irresistible weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinating Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 458

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend or 1 tsp each: sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for coating
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for hot honey sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 pinch sea salt for hot honey sauce

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Medium 10-inch skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Ziplock bag
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts across the top of each breast, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Transfer to a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Prepare the hot honey sauce by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir in honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
  4. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chicken breasts on the prepared sheet with space between each piece. Brush or spoon half of the hot honey sauce generously over each breast.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and exterior develops a golden-brown color with slightly crispy edges. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with remaining hot honey sauce before serving.

Notes

For less spicy version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Can substitute chicken thighs or tenderloins with adjusted cooking time. Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Great for meal prep and versatile for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.