Hot Honey Feta Chicken

This hot honey feta chicken recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something with a little sweet heat and creamy tang. It comes together easily with simple ingredients and bakes in one dish for minimal cleanup.

I discovered this dish when craving something new and bold but still quick to make. Since then it has become a crowd favorite in my house for easy dinners with an elegant touch.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: provide a juicy, lean protein base that absorbs the flavors well. Choose fresh chicken for best results.
• Hot honey: adds a sweet heat that balances the salty feta beautifully. Use a good quality hot honey or add more if you like it spicier.
• Feta cheese: brings a creamy, tangy finishing layer that melts slightly but keeps texture. Opt for a fresh vibrant feta rather than overly dry.
• Olive oil: helps the chicken brown and keep moist through roasting. Use extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Garlic powder onion powder and paprika: build a flavorful spice crust. Using fresh spices enhances the aroma and taste.
• Salt and pepper: are essential to season and bring out all the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley: adds a fresh herbal pop as garnish. Choose bright green bunches with no wilting.

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it is ready once your chicken is seasoned and prepared.

Prepare Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pat each breast dry with paper towels to remove moisture which helps achieve better browning. Season both sides generously with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and paprika to build a delicious spice crust.

Drizzle Olive Oil:

Pour olive oil evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts ensuring each piece is well coated. This helps lock in moisture and encourages a beautiful golden color during baking.

Add Hot Honey:

Drizzle the hot honey over each chicken breast making sure to coat the surfaces evenly. The heat and sweetness from the honey will infuse the meat as it bakes.

Sprinkle Feta:

Top the chicken breasts with crumbled feta cheese spread evenly. The cheese will melt slightly and create a creamy salty layer that complements the honey glaze.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius indicating it is fully cooked and juicy inside.

Broil for Crispiness:

If you want a little more texture on top broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. This crisps up the feta and caramelizes the honey glaze beautifully.

Garnish:

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a bright herbal note.

I love how the sharpness of the feta and the sweet spicy hot honey creates this beautiful contrast. A memorable moment was serving this on a casual dinner night with friends who all asked for seconds. The ease and flavor combo make it one to keep in your repertoire.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. Avoid reheating under a broiler or stovetop as the cheese and honey topping may separate.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a richer juicier texture If you do not have hot honey mix honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes as a simple homemade variation Feta cheese can be replaced by goat cheese or even a crumbly mozzarella variety for different creaminess levels

Serving Ideas

Serve hot honey feta chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal A side of warm crusty bread works great to enjoy every last bit of the honey feta glaze

This recipe balances sweet heat and creamy tang for an elegant weeknight meal you&ll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What temperature is best for baking the chicken?

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a juicy interior.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

While feta’s tangy and crumbly texture complements the dish well, goat cheese or ricotta can be used for a milder flavor.

→ How do I prevent the honey from burning during baking?

Applying honey before baking and broiling briefly at the end helps caramelize the honey without burning it.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, couscous, or a simple green salad provide perfect balance to the flavorful chicken.

→ Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

The broil step crisps the feta topping, adding texture, but can be skipped if preferred.