Description
This Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a blend of spices and olive oil, then baked to perfection and generously coated with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, it combines the heat of cayenne and red pepper flakes with the rich sweetness of raw honey and butter, creating a delicious balance that will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- 6 tablespoons 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Make Slit-like Cuts: Using a sharp knife, create small slit-like cuts on the top surface of each chicken breast to help the hot honey sauce soak in better and enhance flavor penetration during baking.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the raw honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Continuously stir the mixture until it is smooth, fragrant, and slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer. Spoon half of the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the remaining hot honey sauce generously over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
