If you’re looking for big, bold flavor with minimal effort, Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are about to become your weeknight hero. This easy, oven-baked chicken combines savory spices and a sticky-sweet, gently fiery glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into a downright irresistible main course. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating friends, this dish never fails to please—plus it’s juicy, tender, and absolutely packed with flavor in every bite.

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll create a dish that tastes far more impressive than the effort it requires. Each component plays a starring role—balancing sweet, heat, and savoriness while keeping the chicken wonderfully moist and golden.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for soaking up all those delicious flavors while staying lean and juicy.
Olive Oil: A drizzle locks in moisture and helps those spices cling beautifully to the chicken.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous red color that instantly elevates the dish.
Garlic Powder: Brings a punch of savory flavor without overpowering the other spices.
Onion Powder: Enhances the overall depth and works in harmony with the garlic for maximum flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Black Pepper: Gives a touch of warming heat and complexity with every bite.
Honey: Provides sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.
Hot Sauce: The star of the show for heat—pick your favorite brand and adjust to your spice preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the honey with bright acidity, making the flavors really pop.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a finishing touch that makes everything look extra inviting.

How to Make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this little move helps them brown better and soak in more flavor. Place them in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it all over to ensure every inch is coated. This is the foundation for juicy, golden-baked success.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix together your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this vibrant spice blend evenly over the breasts, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t be shy here—these spices are what make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts so craveable.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Hot Honey Sauce

Whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in another bowl. This trio is pure magic! The honey gives a sticky, luscious sweetness, the hot sauce brings the perfect level of heat, and the vinegar gives the whole thing a bright, tangy edge. Adjust the amount of hot sauce if you like it super spicy or prefer a milder touch.

Step 4: First Bake with Sauce

Brush about half the hot honey mixture generously over the chicken breasts. Pop the dish into the oven and let the magic happen for about 10-12 minutes. As the chicken bakes, the glaze will start to caramelize, clinging to the meat and creating layers of flavor.

Step 5: Second Glaze & Bake to Finish

After about 10-12 minutes, carefully brush on the remaining hot honey sauce. This second round of glaze ensures the chicken is extra sticky and flavorful. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-13 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes to keep every bite moist and tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle your freshly baked, gorgeously glazed Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts with chopped fresh parsley. This little hit of color and freshness ties it all together and makes your dish look like it came straight from a bistro kitchen. Get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Garnishes

A generous scatter of fresh parsley brightens every slice, but don’t stop there if you want more color or flavor! Try thinly sliced green onions, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few cracks of fresh black pepper for a little extra flair and contrast on the plate.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts beg for tasty, simple sides to soak up that sweet-spicy sauce. Roasted vegetables, fluffy white or brown rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad all pair beautifully—making a satisfying meal that’s both fresh and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

If you like to think outside the box, slice the chicken thin and pile it onto toasted buns for the ultimate sandwich, or dice and toss into a grain bowl with greens, avocado, and extra sauce. You can even serve over a creamy polenta or pasta for a show-stopping twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor only deepens as the honey and hot sauce continue to mingle—making for excellent next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts freeze surprisingly well. Simply let the chicken cool completely, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken without the fresh parsley garnish.

Reheating

To keep the chicken moist and flavorful when reheating, warm it gently in a 325°F oven, covered, until heated through (about 15 minutes). You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and the hot honey glaze works beautifully with them. You may need to adjust the cooking time a little, as thighs can take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What’s the best hot sauce for this recipe?

Use your favorite hot sauce! Whether you love the vinegary punch of Frank’s RedHot, the smoky backbone of chipotle-based sauces, or something with real heat like sriracha, the hot honey sauce is flexible to your taste and spice level preferences.

Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?

Of course! Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or pick a milder brand. If you want just a subtle warmth, go with a gentle hot sauce and let the honey shine front and center.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F at its thickest point. Clear juices and a white, opaque color inside also indicate it’s ready, but a thermometer is your foolproof helper.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your hot sauce and spices for any hidden gluten, and you’re good to go if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy enough for a weekday, but impressive enough for company. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every sweet, spicy, sticky bite!

Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Juicy and flavorful, this dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the hot honey sauce:

½ cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For garnish:

Fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the hot honey sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush them with half of the hot honey mixture. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, brushing with the remaining hot honey sauce halfway through cooking.
Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.