Hot Honey Chicken

Looking to spice things up in the kitchen? Homemade hot honey is a game-changer! This irresistible combination of sweet honey and spicy chili peppers is incredibly versatile, adding a bold kick to everything from pizza and fried chicken to roasted veggies and even ice cream. The best part? It’s super easy to make at home, and you can customize the heat level to perfectly suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just upgrading your everyday meals, hot honey is the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed!

Total Macro Nutrients per serving:

Calories: 279 Kcal; Protein: 32g; Fat: 8g; Carbs: 18g

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
   • Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and, if you prefer a spicy kick, a touch of cayenne pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add honey, hot sauce, and vinegar. Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   • If desired, stir in butter for a silky texture.
4. Glaze the Chicken:
   • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the hot honey sauce over them to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1-2 more minutes to absorb the sauce.

OPTIONAL

Instead of cooking the chicken in a pan, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For an irresistible finish, brush the chicken with the hot honey glaze during the last few minutes of cooking to let the sauce caramelize beautifully!