Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Savor the irresistible flavors of my Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts. These juicy, tender chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and glazed with a homemade sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, boasting a delightful garlicky undertone that’s truly mouthwatering. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy cayenne pepper and sweet honey creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These chicken breasts can be made ahead of time and stored for quick meals throughout the week.
• Kid-Approved: The sweet heat makes this dish appealing to both adults and children, making it a perfect family dinner option.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice, veggies, or in sandwiches for varied meal ideas.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and allows for proper glazing of the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent flavors in your hot honey glaze.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping your garlic and ensuring everything is ready for mixing.

Ingredients

Savor the irresistible flavors of my Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts. These juicy, tender chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and glazed with a homemade sweet and spicy hot honey sauce.

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup organic raw honey
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of sea salt

How to Make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you’re done preparing the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Rub them with extra virgin olive oil.
3. Season both sides with On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika (if using), and sea salt.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Stir in organic raw honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
4. Mix well until combined; let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
2. Pour half of the hot honey sauce over the chicken breasts.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Cooking

After 25 minutes:
1. Remove from oven and baste with remaining sauce.
2. Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve

Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with sides of your choice!

How to Serve Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, these chicken breasts will impress everyone at the table.

With Roasted Vegetables

• A colorful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the chicken over fluffy rice, allowing the hot honey sauce to soak into the grains for added flavor.

In a Wrap

• Slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh veggies for a delicious and easy lunch option.

With Fresh Salad

• Add sliced chicken to a crisp salad, topped with your favorite dressing, for a refreshing meal that balances sweetness and spice.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
• Marinate overnight – Allowing the chicken to marinate in the hot honey sauce overnight deepens the flavors.
• Even cooking – Ensure all chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are underdone.
• Check internal temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Rest before slicing – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps it juicy when you slice it.
• Adjust spice levels – For less heat, reduce cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Pairing side dishes with your Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide a comforting contrast to spicy chicken.
2. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes adds texture and balance.
3. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color without overpowering flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the spiciness of the hot honey glaze beautifully.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful crunch and slight sweetness that pairs well with savory chicken.
6. Couscous Pilaf – Light and fluffy couscous cooked with herbs makes an excellent base for absorbing sauce flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not seasoning enough: Many people forget to adequately season the chicken. Make sure to use the recommended spices for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken breasts can turn dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the chicken right away can lead to loss of juices. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Using low-quality honey: The flavor of your hot honey sauce largely depends on the quality of honey used. Choose organic raw honey for the best taste.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Cold butter or chicken can affect how well your sauce combines. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil for added protection.

Reheating Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil, reheating for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts? Here are some common questions answered:

What is Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts?

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce.

Can I make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts ahead?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for easy meal prep.

How do I make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, you can decrease the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the recipe or omit them altogether.

What sides pair well with Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts?

Consider serving with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts offer an exciting blend of sweet and spicy flavors that appeal to everyone at the dinner table. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or side dishes. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful meal!