Hot Honey Baked Chicken

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Everyone Will Love.

These chicken breasts are scored, seasoned, and baked to lock in flavor. They're paired with a buttery garlic hot honey glaze that's both sweet and spicy. Perfect for meal prepping or casual family dinners, plus easy to adjust for spice preferences.
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Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:18:14 GMT
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These Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Breasts strike the ultimate harmony between sweetness, heat, and flavor. Juicy chicken gets smothered in a clingy honey coating with just the right kick to keep things exciting, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or advance cooking.

I tried dozens of times to nail the sweet-heat combo before finding that mixing several pepper types - red pepper flakes, cayenne, and chili powder - builds complex warmth instead of just sharp spiciness. The honey smooths everything out perfectly while forming that sticky, mouthwatering glaze.

Key Components

  • Organic Chicken Breasts: Pick free-range for better taste
  • Unfiltered Honey: Gives natural sweetness
  • Crushed Garlic: Adds necessary flavor base
  • Blended Heat Spices: Delivers ideal spiciness

Step-By-Step Method

Getting Chicken Ready (10 minutes):
Thoroughly dry chicken with paper towels. Coat with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with spices. Marinate when possible. Let sit at room temp before cooking.
Whipping Up Glaze (5-7 minutes):
Heat butter in pan. Cook garlic until aromatic. Pour in honey with spices. Mix thoroughly. Allow to bubble slightly until thicker.
Oven Cooking (30-35 minutes):
Set chicken in hot oven. Brush with glaze midway. Monitor internal temp carefully. Allow standing time after cooking. Top with extra glaze.
Finishing Touches:
Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Cut across the grain. Add remaining glaze on top. Add garnishes if you want.
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Expert Kitchen Tricks

  • Soak chicken in saltwater for extra moisture
  • Heat dry spices first to wake up flavors
  • Set aside heated sauce for serving

Keeping and Planning

  • Keep chicken and glaze in different containers
  • Chicken stays tender for four days when sealed tight
  • Warm sauce slowly and pour on just before eating

What To Serve With It

  • Buttery mashed potatoes
  • Light and fluffy rice
  • Oven-baked vegetables
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Spice Control Options

  • Use all spices for those who enjoy heat
  • Cut back on cayenne and chili for a gentler taste
  • The honey base makes both versions tasty

Prep-Ahead Strategies

  • Mix spices ahead of time
  • Cook extra glaze for future dinners
  • Let chicken soak in spices overnight
  • Get side dishes ready in advance

This Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken has become my favorite for family meals and weekly cooking. It shows how a few simple ingredients and the right methods can turn basic chicken into something amazing. It tastes great fresh out of the oven or packed for tomorrow's lunch.

Ways To Use Extra Chicken

  • Cut thinly for tasty sandwiches
  • Chop up for salad toppings
  • Pull apart for filling tacos
  • Mix with noodles and fresh veggies

Getting The Heat Just Right

  • Let chicken warm up before cooking
  • Make sure oven is fully heated
  • Check doneness with a good thermometer

Foods That Go Well Together

  • Garlicky green beans from the oven
  • Carrots with honey glaze
  • Fresh green salad with lemony dressing
  • Spoon over creamy rice for fancy meals

This Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken shows how basic flavors can create standout meals. The mix of sweet honey and warming spices turns plain chicken into something special, while staying easy enough for everyday cooking. Whether you're planning meals for the week or feeding your family tonight, this dish brings reliable flavor in every bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What do the cuts on the chicken do?
They let the glaze soak into the meat better and help cook everything evenly.
→ How can I make this less spicy?
Just cut back on the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
→ How long is too long for marinating?
At least 3 hours is great, but overnight gives even more flavor.
→ Can I swap the chicken breasts for other cuts?
Sure, you can use thighs, drumsticks, or tenderloins too.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Warm them up in the oven to keep juicy.

Hot Honey Baked Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful hot honey glaze, delivering a delightful mix of sweetness and spice.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 teaspoons your favorite seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
03 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin preferred
04 1 teaspoon salt, sea preferred
05 2 pounds chicken breasts, organic if desired

→ Hot Honey Sauce

06 1 cup raw honey, organic recommended
07 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
08 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
10 ½ teaspoon garlic seasoning powder
11 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
12 Pinch of sea salt for taste
13 ½ teaspoon chili powder
14 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 01

Rub oil and seasonings all over chicken in a roomy bowl. Make 1-inch cuts on top. Let it sit for 3 hours or longer if you can.

Step 02

Cook garlic in melted butter until fragrant in a skillet. Stir in honey and all spices. Keep stirring until thickened. Take it off the heat.

Step 03

Set oven to 400°F. Cover a baking tray with parchment. Space out chicken pieces on the tray.

Step 04

Drizzle half the hot honey mix on chicken. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Step 05

Cool slightly, then spoon the reserved sauce over before serving.

Notes

  1. Make it ahead of time and store for up to 2 days
  2. Keeps fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days
  3. Swap breasts for thighs, drumsticks, or tenderloins if you like
  4. Create your own seasoning blend with your go-to spices

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or pan, medium-sized
  • Tray for baking
  • Parchment lining paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes butter, so not dairy-free

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 458
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 49 g