Name: Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you love bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, you’re in for a treat with this Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly-seasoned chicken breasts, baked to golden perfection and draped in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy honey glaze that promises to wake up your taste buds. This is one of those dishes that’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for even the busiest weeknight—you’ll find yourself craving it all over again before you’ve even finished that first irresistible bite!

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, working together to create that magical balance of savory, sweet, and spicy that makes the Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, along with easy tips for getting the best results every time.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest, most versatile results—just make sure they’re roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This keeps the chicken moist during baking and helps the seasonings cling beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and subtle kick that pairs perfectly with honey’s sweetness.
Smoked Paprika: Lends a warm, smoky undertone and gorgeous color to your chicken.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor of the spice mix so every bite tastes complete.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into sharp, delicious focus.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat without overpowering the dish.
Honey: The secret to that sticky-sweet glaze—you want a floral, runny honey if possible.
Hot Sauce: Use your favorite, and add more or less based on how fiery you want your glaze!
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash helps balance the sweetness and brightens the glaze beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you’re ready for extra heat, a pinch of these turns up the excitement.

How to Make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which ensures that the chicken bakes evenly and finishes with a juicy center. Lightly grease a baking dish—this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels; it helps the olive oil and spices cling for maximum flavor in each bite.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, rubbing it all over each breast for extra moisture and flavor. Then, coat each piece with the seasoning blend, making sure to sprinkle both sides evenly—this simple step creates a punchy, savory crust that stands up to the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

Grab a small saucepan and combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and (if you’re so inclined) a pinch of red pepper flakes for more intensity. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth and glossy. You’re not just warming it; you’re infusing the honey with spiciness and a whisper of tang—pure magic!

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

Arrange your seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat each breast with half of the hot honey glaze. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. In the last 5 minutes, brush the remaining glaze on top—this double-glaze step ensures every piece is irresistibly sticky and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Finish

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for five minutes to seal in those tasty juices. Drizzle any leftover pan glaze on top before serving—trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop of that sweet, spicy goodness!

How to Serve Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe extra special, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a few thinly-sliced green onions. For a little contrast, scatter some toasted sesame seeds or a few flakes of sea salt on top right before bringing the dish to the table.

Side Dishes

This chicken absolutely sings alongside comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed jasmine rice, or roasted sweet potatoes. Want something lighter? Serve with a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

This recipe loves to play dress-up! For parties, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Or, pile thick slices onto toasted brioche buns with a crunchy slaw for unforgettable sandwiches. The Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe also shines when sliced for salads or tucked into wraps for a spicy lunch upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just place the cooled chicken in an airtight container, making sure to save any leftover glaze alongside—it’s perfect for drizzling over leftovers or dipping veggies.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken, cool it completely, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, it’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra glaze before reheating helps keep things juicy and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully here. Thighs will be even juicier, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly since they’re often a bit thinner than breasts.

How spicy does the Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe get?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility: simply use more or less hot sauce and skip the red pepper flakes for a milder result, or turn up the heat if you love a real kick! It’s easy to customize for every palate.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it gently before brushing over the chicken to loosen it up and restore its shine.

What’s the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?

Patting the chicken dry, coating it in oil and seasoning, and not overbaking are the biggest secrets! Always use a meat thermometer and let the chicken rest after baking to lock in the juices.

Is this Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just double-check your hot sauce and vinegar to be sure.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe enough—it’s such a foolproof way to get incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making it for your first dinner party or a quiet Tuesday night, this dish is bound to win raves and become a regular at your table. Don’t wait: grab your ingredients and try it for yourself tonight!

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy recipe for Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts. These juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Hot Honey Glaze:

1/3 cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Season: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Brush half of the glaze over chicken.
Bake: Bake chicken for 20–25 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired.