This Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is a tasty twist on a classic dish! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze that makes each bite a party for your taste buds.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just mix honey with some hot sauce, brush it on the chicken, and let the oven do the work. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they cook easily and absorb flavor well. If you prefer, you can swap them for thighs, which are juicier and provide a different texture.
Hot Honey: Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick. If you don’t have it, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a similar flavor. You can also use sriracha mixed with honey for another tasty option.
Mayonnaise: This is a great base for the marinade, providing creaminess and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be good substitutes and still keep it creamy.
Lemon: Fresh lemon slices add brightness. If you’re out of lemons, lime can work as a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the amount to taste!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated. About 1/4 teaspoon should suffice.
How Can You Achieve the Best Marinating Result?
Marinating chicken is key for juicy and flavorful results. It allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate the meat. Ideally, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, an hour or even overnight in the fridge is better!
- Mix all marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated with the marinade, and cover it well.
- Always refrigerate if marinating for longer than 30 minutes.
Also, remember to let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. This simple step makes a big difference in texture and flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus additional juice for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for additional heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. If you have an extra 15 minutes, let the chicken marinate to enhance the flavor. So, in total, around 40-55 minutes is all you need for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken bakes evenly and gets beautifully cooked.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This will be your tasty marinade.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors!
4. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange the lemon slices around the chicken in the baking dish. This will add a lovely zesty flavor while it bakes.
5. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. This adds moisture and flavor while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now, pop the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s ready when it’s cooked through and juicy!
7. Broil for a Golden Finish:
If you’d like a golden crust, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the top, if you like. Serve hot and drizzle any leftover sauce from the baking dish over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts!
Can I Use Regular Honey Instead of Hot Honey?
Absolutely! If you don’t have hot honey, simply mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your desired spice level!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten this dish, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option that still provides creaminess. Additionally, opt for skinless chicken thighs for a juicier flavor without compromising too much on health.
What Should I Do If My Chicken Is Not Cooking Evenly?
If you find that the chicken is cooking unevenly, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Also, consider moving the baking dish to the center of the oven for more even heat distribution. If needed, you can rotate the pan midway through baking.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature to keep it moist without drying out.
