Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, making for a perfect weeknight dinner that is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. The chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful mixture and then baked to juicy perfection, topped with a hot honey glaze that adds a tantalizing kick to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This dish is the epitome of simplicity meeting flavor. The hot honey glaze brings a unique twist to the traditional baked chicken, making it a hit with both adults and kids. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, ensuring it fits into any meal plan seamlessly.

Marinating the Chicken

Ingredients for the Marinade

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Marinating Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Cooking Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line the baking dish with baking parchment or lightly grease with olive oil.
3. Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Even Layer: Ensure the chicken breasts are in a single layer for even cooking.
• Check Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Honey: 1/4 cup.
• Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
• Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.

Mixing the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and minced garlic.
2. Stir Well: Ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Combining and Baking

Arranging in the Baking Dish

1. Pour Sauce: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Baking Instructions

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Broil: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish Ideas

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side.
• Steamed Vegetables: Light and healthy, perfect with the rich chicken.
• Rice: Fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Garnishing Tips

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving.
• Protein: High in lean protein from the chicken.
• Carbs and Fats: Balanced with healthy fats from olive oil and minimal carbs from honey and hot sauce.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein: Chicken breasts provide essential protein without excess fat.
• Nutrient-Rich: Ingredients like garlic and honey add antioxidants and natural sweetness.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: This can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure the chicken breasts are in a single layer.
• Skipping the Marinating: Marinating infuses the chicken with flavor, so don’t skip this step.

Chef’s Secrets

• Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
• High-Quality Honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor.

Variations of the Recipe

Spicy Version

• Extra Hot Sauce: Add more hot sauce to the honey mixture for an increased heat level.
• Chili Flakes: Sprinkle some chili flakes over the chicken before baking.

Mild Version

• Less Hot Sauce: Reduce the amount of hot sauce in the honey mixture.
• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Use a sweet BBQ sauce instead of hot honey for a milder flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can It Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

What to Do with Leftovers?

Chop the leftover chicken and use it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a tasty meal the next day.

Can I Freeze Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts?

It’s best to freeze the marinated chicken raw and cook it fresh. Cooked chicken can be frozen but may lose some texture.

How to Keep the Chicken Juicy?

Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce creates a delightful glaze that enhances the juicy chicken breasts. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or fluffy rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Yield: 4

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

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Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, making for a perfect weeknight dinner that is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. The chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful mixture and then baked to juicy perfection, topped with a hot honey glaze that adds a tantalizing kick to every bite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• CHICKEN:
• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 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
• HOMEMADE HONEY HONEY SAUCE:
• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup organic raw honey
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

PREP + SEASON CHICKEN:

• In a large bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with olive oil + seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, + red pepper flakes, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated.
• Placing seasoned chicken breasts unto a clean cutting board, cut little "slit-like" cuts atop each breast, about 1-inch or so apart. Repeat until all chicken breasts are cut with this design.
• NOTE: Best when marinated for a while! To do so: Add coated chicken to a securely sealed ziplock bag and place in the refrigerator for 3 hours (minimum). Best if marinaded overnight. When ready to use, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

TO MAKE THE HOT HONEY SAUCE:

• In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the honey, cayenne peppers, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt, stirring everything together until sauce becomes smooth and thick. Remove from heat.

BAKE THE CHICKEN:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also make these in a skillet, if desired.
• Line seasoned chicken breast (side by side) unto prepared baking sheet (or skillet), leaving a bit of room in between each one. Spoon half the amount of hot honey sauce unto each chicken breast. Save remaining sauce for later!
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.
• Remove from oven and let them cool slightly. Spoon on remaining hot honey sauce and serve with your favorite side of salad, pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, etc.
• Bon Appetit!

Notes

• STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add chicken to a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until completely warmed through. Drizzle with additional hot honey, if needed.
• MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep (up to 2 days prior) and assembled when ready to serve. Be sure to store seasoning mixture in a nicely sealed zip loc bag, kept at room temp. 
• SPICES/HERBS:If desired, you can reduce the amount of seasoning used slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
• CHICKEN PIECES:I love using chicken breasts for this recipe, however, you can also do this with chicken tenderloins, thighs, and drumsticks.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 458