Let me introduce you to the wonder that is Hot Honey Feta Chicken! This dish is pure joy on a plate: juicy, golden chicken layered with creamy, tangy feta and finished with a bold drizzle of warm honey laced with chili. Every bite offers savory, sweet, spicy, and salty flavors that play off each other in the best way. It’s the kind of showstopper meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen—perfect for weeknight boldness or a special dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I absolutely love about this recipe is its fuss-free ingredient list. Each element brings something special, making the final Hot Honey Feta Chicken seriously craveable. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter:
- Chicken breasts: These act as the juicy, hearty base for all those bold flavors. Boneless, skinless works best for quick cooking.
- Feta cheese: Feta’s creamy tanginess melts into the hot chicken, balancing out the sweetness and heat.
- Hot honey: This is the star! Use good quality honey and your favorite chili flakes for just the right kick—adjust for sweetness and spice.
- Olive oil: A drizzle keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: For a savory flavor boost that infuses every bite.
- Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smokiness to the outside of the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: The foundation for seasoning—don’t skip these!
- Fresh herbs (optional): Basil, parsley, or mint add a fresh finish if you want to go the extra mile with your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
- Lemon zest (optional): A little zest brightens up everything for a pop of sunshine in each bite.
How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step is key to getting a wonderful golden sear. Once dry, rub the chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let those flavors soak in while you preheat your oven or skillet—trust me, even a short marinade makes a big difference.
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a bit more olive oil and gently lay the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a rich, golden crust. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just building color and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Turn off the heat and sprinkle (or crumble) the feta generously over each chicken breast. The residual warmth starts to soften the cheese, making it irresistibly creamy. If you want a more pronounced melt, pop the whole pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so the feta goes bubbly and golden, but don’t let it burn.
Step 4: Drizzle with Hot Honey
While the chicken rests, make your hot honey: gently warm the honey and chili flakes together in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. This brings all the spicy-sweet flavor to life. Drizzle the hot honey over each feta-topped chicken breast, letting it run down the sides for maximum flavor coverage.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Hot Honey Feta Chicken to plates and shower with lots of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like things extra zippy. Now you’re ready to dig in! The colors are gorgeous, the aroma is incredible, and the first bite is always a thrill.
How to Serve Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on the finishing touches! A handful of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley, mint, or basil—adds a beautiful pop of green and keeps the flavors light and bright. A little extra crumbled feta on top never hurts, either. For a citrusy note, grate on some lemon zest right before serving. These little extras make your Hot Honey Feta Chicken look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish loves good company! Serve it alongside fluffy couscous, garlicky rice, or even a simple orzo salad. Roasted veggies—such as crispy potatoes, asparagus, or broccolini—soak up the extra sauce beautifully. If you’re keeping things light, a cucumber and tomato salad on the side makes a perfect, fresh counterpoint to the savoriness of the Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the finished chicken and serve it over warm pita or flatbread for a Greek-inspired sandwich. You can also cube the Hot Honey Feta Chicken and toss it into a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and arugula for a complete meal-in-a-bowl. It even makes a standout addition to a mezze platter if you’re entertaining—just cut into bite-sized pieces and watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Feta Chicken stores really well—simply cool any extras to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and the chicken stays juicy thanks to that feta and honey topping.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled chicken tightly in foil or cling wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that feta can change texture a bit after freezing, but the taste will still shine.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Splash in a teaspoon of water or broth if the chicken looks dry. For microwave reheating, use short bursts and cover the dish to trap steam—the hot honey and feta will revive beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra-juicy and work wonderfully in Hot Honey Feta Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a few more minutes to cook through, especially if bone-in.
How spicy is the hot honey?
That’s entirely up to you! Start with a pinch of chili flakes and increase for more heat. You can also use hot sauce in the honey if you want bolder spice—taste as you go and tailor it for your own preferred kick.
What’s the best way to get feta extra melty?
For super-melty feta, pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two after adding the cheese. Keep a close watch, since feta can go from golden to burnt fast! This extra heat helps create those irresistible, gooey bits.
Can I make Hot Honey Feta Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep and cook the chicken up to a day in advance, then reheat and finish with the hot honey and garnishes just before serving. It makes dinner party prep so much simpler!
Is there a dairy-free option?
If you’re dairy-free, swap in a plant-based feta alternative or use a drizzle of herbed olive oil instead. The hot honey and spices ensure your Hot Honey Feta Chicken will still be packed with amazing flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to take that first bite of Hot Honey Feta Chicken and see just how incredible these simple flavors come together. Whether you make it for a cozy night at home or as the centerpiece for your next dinner party, this dish is pure magic every time. Give it a try—and be ready for everyone to ask for second helpings!
PrintHot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delectable main course that beautifully balances bold flavors: juicy chicken breasts are baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy feta layer, then drizzled with spicy, sweet homemade hot honey. This easy oven-baked dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests—it packs a kick and plenty of savory richness in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Feta Topping
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken – Brush chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over both sides of the chicken, gently rubbing to coat.
- Prepare the Feta Topping – In a small bowl, mash together the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, oregano, and black pepper until fairly smooth and spreadable.
- Top the Chicken – Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Evenly spoon and spread the feta mixture over the tops of each piece, pressing lightly so it adheres.
- Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the feta is slightly golden.
- Make the Hot Honey – While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan set over low heat. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until warm and runny—do not let it boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Drizzle and Serve – When the chicken is done, transfer to plates. Generously drizzle each breast with the hot honey and sprinkle with chopped herbs, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the hot honey for a milder or spicier kick, as you prefer.
- Leftover hot honey can be stored in a jar at room temperature and is also amazing on pizza, biscuits, or roasted vegetables.
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd—just use a larger baking dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *