Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs. organic chicken breasts

1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp red pepper flakes

6 Tbsps unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup organic raw honey

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

Pinch of sea salt

Directions

PREP + SEASON CHICKEN:

In a large bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with olive oil + seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, + red pepper flakes, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated.

Placing seasoned chicken breasts unto a clean cutting board, cut little "slit-like" cuts atop each breast, about 1-inch or so apart. Repeat until all chicken breasts are cut with this design.

NOTE: Best when marinated for a while! To do so: Add coated chicken to a securely sealed ziplock bag and place in the refrigerator for 3 hours (minimum). Best if marinaded overnight. When ready to use, let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

TO MAKE THE HOT HONEY SAUCE:

In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the honey, cayenne peppers, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt, stirring everything together until sauce becomes smooth and thick. Remove from heat.

BAKE THE CHICKEN:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also make these in a skillet, if desired.

Line seasoned chicken breast (side by side) unto prepared baking sheet (or skillet), leaving a bit of room in between each one. Spoon half the amount of hot honey sauce unto each chicken breast. Save remaining sauce for later!

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.

Remove from oven and let them cool slightly. Spoon on remaining hot honey sauce and serve with your favorite side of salad, pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, etc.

Bon Appetit!

Nutrition

• Calories: 458 kcal
• Total Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 0.3 g
• Protein: 49 g