Tender & Juicy Hot Honey Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, this hot honey chicken breast recipe will hit the spot! The combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and that zingy hot honey glaze makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. It's quick, simple, and packed with flavor—ideal for those nights when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

My Take on Hot Honey Chicken

The first time I tried hot honey was on a pizza, and I was instantly hooked. So naturally, I had to find a way to incorporate it into my chicken dishes. This recipe combines that irresistible sweet heat with tender chicken breasts, making it a hit every time I serve it. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Breast

Here’s what you’ll need to make these sweet and spicy oven baked chicken breasts:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup hot honey

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken

4 simple steps are all you have to follow to make these oven baked hot honey chicken breasts.

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar until well combined. This will be your sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breast halves with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the center of the pan and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the hot honey sauce and reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, making sure to coat the chicken breasts well. Once everything is glazed and sticky, serve the chicken with your favorite sides—like roasted veggies or a crisp salad.

My Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken

• Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot honey or add a splash of water to tone down the spice.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I like to take the chicken out of the oven when it reaches around 157°F-160°F and then let it rest up to 165°F.
• Serve with a Starch: This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up that sauce.

FAQ About Hot Honey Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and they turn out even juicier.

What sides pair well with hot honey chicken?

Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad are all great choices.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat so the chicken maintains its glaze.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce to the honey mixture for an extra kick.

Can I make my own hot honey and use it on this chicken?

Definitely! If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce to create your own. I like to use a 2:1 ratio of honey to hot sauce when I make my own at home.

Final Thoughts

This hot honey chicken breast recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether you're serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it's sure to be a hit! As always, if you give it a shot let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.

More Chicken Recipes to Try Next

• Chicken and sweet corn soup
• Crockpot white chicken chili
• Chicken rasta pasta
• Chicken Big Mac
• Dave's hot chicken