Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts | YumAndJoy

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts

Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze make for a bold and flavorful dish. With a balance of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, this gluten-free recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The rich hot honey glaze adds a crave-worthy touch to this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet and spicy flavors for a bold, satisfying dish.
  • Naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
  • Quick and easy, ready in just 45 minutes.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or meal prep.
  • Pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted veggies, rice, or salads.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (organic preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

  • 1 cup raw organic honey
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • A pinch of sea salt

Directions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season with the all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

  1. Transfer to the Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

  1. Melt the Butter: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the Ingredients: Stir in the honey, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

  1. Glaze the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the hot honey glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes to let the glaze caramelize slightly.
  2. Serve: Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken before serving. Garnish with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs, if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Milder Version: Reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for a less spicy glaze.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for extra flavor.
  • Crispy Coating: Dredge the chicken in almond flour or breadcrumbs before searing for a crispy exterior.
  • Grilled Option: Grill the chicken over medium heat, brushing with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with cauliflower or tofu and use vegan butter.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chicken (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add fresh glaze before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

2. How spicy is the glaze?

The glaze has a medium spice level. Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the glaze and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.

4. What sides pair well with this chicken?

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

5. Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Yes, but adding your own spices and garlic enhances the flavor.

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

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Can I cook this on the stovetop only?

Yes, cover the skillet and cook on low heat after searing until the chicken is fully cooked.

8. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes, though the flavor will differ.

9. How do I keep the chicken moist?

Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute in the glaze.

Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts are the perfect combination of bold flavors and juicy tenderness. With a sticky, flavorful glaze, this easy dish is ideal for any occasion, from weeknight meals to dinner parties. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy this flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress!

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Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy juicy baked chicken breasts coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze! With bold flavors of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne, this gluten-free and paleo-friendly recipe is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness for a flavorful dinner.

 


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat:

  • 2 lbs organic chicken breasts

Produce:

  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Condiments:

  • 1 cup raw organic honey

Baking & Spices:

  • 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning blend
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Dairy:

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season with the all-purpose seasoning blend, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Bake the Chicken:

  1. Bake:
    • Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Hot Honey Glaze:

  1. Melt the Butter and Honey:
    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the raw honey, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  2. Glaze the Chicken:
    • After 20 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven. Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken breasts.
  3. Finish Baking:
    • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through.

Serve:

  1. Plate and Garnish:
    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining glaze and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Notes

  • For an extra-crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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