Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts combine the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The chicken breasts are seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, then topped with a homemade hot honey sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. This dish is simple to prepare yet full of bold flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests. The hot honey adds an unexpected twist to the classic baked chicken, elevating it to a new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts because of their delicious combination of heat and sweetness. The baked chicken breasts are moist and tender, while the hot honey sauce offers a spicy-sweet kick that will keep you coming back for more. The heat from the chili flakes is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey, creating a unique and mouthwatering glaze that enhances the flavor of the chicken. This recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a go-to meal in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or hot sauce of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for more or less heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the ingredients are well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken breasts.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and set.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hot honey sauce.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor and a crispier texture.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a sweet honey glaze.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the hot honey sauce for a tangy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
2. Can I use a different hot sauce instead of sriracha?
Yes, you can substitute sriracha with any hot sauce you prefer, such as buffalo sauce, Frank’s RedHot, or even a homemade hot sauce.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and reheat before using.
4. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling the chicken breasts will give them a nice smoky flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, and then brush with the hot honey sauce.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done.
6. Can I use a sugar substitute in the hot honey sauce?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in place of honey for a lower-calorie option, though it may affect the overall flavor and sweetness.
7. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can prep the chicken by seasoning it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
9. Can I freeze leftover hot honey chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
10. What can I serve with Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts?
These chicken breasts pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with cornbread for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The tender, juicy chicken is glazed with a hot honey sauce that adds the right amount of heat and sweetness, making each bite irresistible. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, potatoes, or vegetables, this hot honey chicken will quickly become a family favorite.
Print
Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a delicious fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are baked to perfection and glazed with a homemade hot honey sauce, delivering the ideal balance of heat and sweetness. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or hot sauce of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for more or less heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and well combined (about 3-4 minutes).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush generously with the hot honey sauce.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and set.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hot honey sauce.
- For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and red pepper flakes or omit them for just a sweet honey glaze.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor and crispiness.
- Add Dijon mustard to the hot honey sauce for a tangy twist.
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