1. Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids or spice-sensitive eaters?

Yes, absolutely. Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, chili powder, and red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce. You’ll still get a sweet and garlicky flavor without the heat.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—when it reads 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast, it’s done. You can also cut into the center to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.

3. Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Chicken thighs and drumsticks work well—just adjust the baking time. Thighs may need 5–10 more minutes depending on thickness.

4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. The chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Name: Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend (or homemade); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup organic raw honey; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Pinch of sea salt

Description

An easy, sweet-and-spicy hot honey baked chicken recipe perfect for beginner cooks. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a garlicky, buttery glaze and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend (or homemade)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup organic raw honey
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, paprika, and seasoning blend until evenly coated.
Make shallow slits across the top of each chicken breast to help the flavors absorb. Optional: Marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes, then add honey, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat.
Place the chicken on the prepared pan and spoon half the hot honey sauce over each piece.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and spoon on the remaining sauce before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken.
To reduce spice, omit or reduce cayenne and chili flakes.
Can substitute chicken thighs, tenderloins, or drumsticks—adjust bake time accordingly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven for best texture and drizzle with extra sauce if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 458 kcal
Sugar: 0.3g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 190mg