Description
This Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Marinated for enhanced flavor and baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness with hints of smoky paprika and garlic.
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
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 pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to infuse the flavors. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Make Slit-like Cuts: Using a sharp knife, make small slit-like cuts on the surface of each chicken breast. These cuts help the hot honey sauce penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor throughout the meat.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add 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. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and well combined. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the baking sheet and generously spoon half of the hot honey sauce over each piece. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- If you don’t have On Everything All-Purpose Blend, substitute with equal parts onion powder, garlic powder, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and sea salt.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- The slit cuts are optional but recommended for flavor absorption.
