Do Share Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Breast Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Easy Dinner

When I first tried making hot honey chicken breast, I didn’t expect it to become such a hit in my household. But one bite of this tender, flavorful chicken glazed with sweet and spicy hot honey sauce made it clear that this recipe is a keeper.

It’s savory, with just the right balance of heat and sweetness. And the best part? Preparing it wasn’t nearly as complicated as I thought it would be!

This dish feels fancy enough to impress, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner you’ll want to revisit again and again. If you enjoy this dish, you’ll love our Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe for more flavorful ideas.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Breast Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful chicken recipe.

2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey Sauce

6 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
1 cup honey
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt

Note: This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations to Try

This dish can be tailored to suit different diets and preferences.

Sugar-free: Substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative like stevia syrup.
Low-fat: Use a butter substitute or lower the butter quantity for a lighter sauce.
Milder spice: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for less heat.
Herbaceous twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the hot honey sauce for extra aroma.
Keto-friendly: Pair the chicken with low-carb sides like steamed broccoli or salad.

You’ll never run out of meal ideas with our dinner recipes.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowls: For seasoning chicken and mixing the sauce.
Skillet: To prepare the hot honey sauce.
Baking sheet: For baking the chicken.
Parchment paper: To keep the chicken from sticking to the tray.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Breast?

This dish is broken down into manageable steps to make it simple yet delicious. Get ready to bring bold flavors to your dinner table!

Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats, clean and pat dry the chicken breasts.

Then, in a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle on the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss everything until the chicken is well-coated with seasonings.

Marinating the Chicken

For the best flavor, make small slits across the top of each chicken breast. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply. Set aside and, if time permits, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 hours or overnight.

Baking the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the star of the recipe: hot honey sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Stir in the honey, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the mixture, stirring until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Glazing and Serving

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and generously brush the hot honey sauce over each piece. For extra flavor, drizzle the remainder of the sauce on top just before serving. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has so many winning qualities, you’ll want it on your weekly rotation.

Bold flavors: A perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy.
Quick and simple: Easy steps make it doable for any skill level.
Versatility: Works as the centerpiece for various meals, from salads to sandwiches.
Meal prep-friendly: Store leftovers for lunch or dinner during the week.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Breast?

For a stunning presentation, place the chicken breasts on a plate and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a splash of color. If you’re serving it family-style, put the chicken on a platter and pour extra hot honey sauce on top.

Complement the dish with sides such as fluffy rice, garlic-roasted potatoes, or sautéed green beans. You can even dice the chicken and toss it in a salad or pasta for an adventurous twist.

Looking for easy weeknight meals? Check out our quick Hot Honey Chicken Wraps Recipe for inspiration.

Nutritional Information

Each serving offers a balanced mix of nutrients.

Calories: 460
Protein: 49 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is fantastic for meal prep or storing leftovers.

Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time to save on cooking day. The chicken can stay in the refrigerator, sealed tightly, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze: Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and drizzle fresh hot honey sauce to revive its flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Drawing from my attempts, here are some tips to level up your dish!

Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
Marinate the chicken longer if you have time, for deeper flavor.
Don’t skip the thermometer! It guarantees a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast.
If the honey sauce hardens when cooled, gently reheat it before serving.
Customize the spice level by adjusting ingredients like cayenne or chili powder.

Can I Make This Hot Honey Chicken Less Spicy?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tone down the heat by reducing or skipping cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the sauce.

If you prefer, balance the spice by adding a bit more honey or a splash of lime juice for sweetness and zest. This way, you’ll still enjoy the rich flavors without too much heat. Hot honey chicken breast is a dish that’s bound to impress.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. From its tender texture to the sticky, golden honey glaze, this recipe delivers comfort with every bite. Give it a try and make it your go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions!

Ben Carraoli