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Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

Hot honey baked chicken breasts with a fiery glaze that caramelizes to a dark amber, sticky-sweet coating. Juicy chicken stays tender while red pepper flakes sparkle on the glistening surface.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Hot Honey Glaze
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank's RedHot)
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • flaky sea salt
  • fresh thyme

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and prep
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly oil a baking dish or cast iron skillet.
  2. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Make the hot honey glaze
  1. Whisk together honey, hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder until smooth.
Bake and caramelize
  1. Place chicken in the prepared dish and brush generously with the hot honey glaze; reserve some for basting.
  2. Bake for 10-11 minutes, then baste with the remaining glaze at the halfway point to build a darker caramelized coating.
  3. Bake for 10-11 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized and glistening.
Rest and finish
  1. Rest chicken for 5 minutes to help the juices settle.
  2. Finish with flaky sea salt, fresh thyme, and an extra drizzle of hot honey before serving.

Notes

For best caramelization, brush on a generous first coat and baste once only at the halfway point so the glaze can set without scorching. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the glaze can lose its glossy texture. For a lower-sugar swap, use half honey and half a mild sugar-free honey alternative (warm until smooth) while keeping the hot sauce and pepper flakes the same for the sweet-heat balance.