BEST HOT HONEY FETA CHICKEN

I remember the first time I ever tried hot honey; it was drizzled over a cheese board at a friend’s birthday, and the sweet heat was absolutely mind-blowing! That got me thinking about how to incorporate that magic into a main course, and that’s how this incredible Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe was born. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to pull off – I promise, you’ll be obsessed!

The Ultimate Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious

Okay, friend, let’s talk about this Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to lick your plate clean (and maybe even the pan!). The combination of the sweet and spicy hot honey, the tangy feta, and the perfectly cooked chicken is seriously addictive. I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure yours turns out amazing. Think of me as your personal kitchen cheerleader!

Why This Recipe Works

You might be wondering why this Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is special. Here’s the secret: it’s all about balance. We’re not just throwing ingredients together; we’re carefully layering flavors to create something truly extraordinary.

• Sweet and Spicy Harmony: The hot honey isn’t just about heat; it’s about that perfect sweet and spicy contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
• Feta’s Tangy Magic: The feta adds a creamy, salty, and tangy element that cuts through the richness of the honey and chicken.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: No one wants dry chicken! We’ll use a simple technique to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender every time.
• Easy and Impressive: This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of these on hand already.

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless and skinless. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled. I prefer using a block of feta and crumbling it myself for better flavor, but pre-crumbled works too.
• Hot Honey: 1/4 cup. You can buy this pre-made, or make your own (recipe below!).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, if you like it extra spicy!).
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional).

How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ve broken down the steps into easy-to-follow instructions, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, we need to get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is super important because it helps them get a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken around while it’s searing. Let it sit undisturbed so it can develop a beautiful crust.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Pour in the hot honey and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it slightly thickens. Stir in the dried oregano.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the hot honey sauce over the top. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is melted and slightly golden.

How to tell if the chicken is done: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Okay, now for some insider tips to take your Hot Honey Feta Chicken to the next level.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: This is the number one rule! Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
• Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can always add more later!
• Make Your Own Hot Honey: It’s easier than you think! Simply combine honey with your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha or chili garlic sauce) and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the ratio to your liking.
• Use High-Quality Feta: The flavor of the feta really shines in this recipe, so choose a good quality block of feta for the best results.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like chopped nuts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or some fresh herbs.
• Broil for Extra Color: If you want the feta to be extra golden and bubbly, broil the chicken for a minute or two at the end of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Serving Suggestions

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
• Quinoa or Rice: A simple grain is a perfect accompaniment to the flavorful chicken.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a welcome addition.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay nice and juicy.
• Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or ricotta.
• Add Vegetables: Toss some chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini into the skillet along with the garlic.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk into the hot honey sauce for a richer flavor.
• Grill it!: Grill the chicken and then top with the hot honey feta mixture for a summery twist.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also sear the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply proceed with the remaining steps.

Storage: Leftover Hot Honey Feta Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze it?

I wouldn’t recomend freezing this recipe. The feta cheese can change in texture when frozen and thawed, making it less enjoyable.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving this flavor profile, you absolutely need to try these other delicious recipes:

First, there’s the ultra-popular Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, a creamy, dreamy chicken dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Then, for a pasta twist on a beloved flavor, you HAVE to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta! For another delicious chicken recipe, try out Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. If you want something creamy, then make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, or even the Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken. And if you want a quick and easy parmesan chicken, then try Crispy Parmesan Chicken!

Hot Honey Recipe

If you don’t have hot honey on hand, here’s how to make it:

• Honey: 1/2 cup
• Hot Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons (such as sriracha, ফ্রাঙ্ক’s RedHot, or your favorite)
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon (such as apple cider or white vinegar)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until well combined and slightly warmed. Be careful not to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. This helps balance the flavors.
4. Let cool completely before using. The flavor will intensify as it cools.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Here’s the full recipe card for your convenience:

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Pour in hot honey and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in oregano.
6. Return chicken to skillet and spoon hot honey sauce over the top. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and feta is melted and slightly golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolutely favorite Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe! I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try! I know you’re going to love it. Happy cooking!

BEST Hot Honey Feta Chicken

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe delivers a flavor explosion with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy hot honey, tangy feta cheese, and juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s impressive enough for special occasions and simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish optional
• 1/2 cup honey for hot honey if making from scratch
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce for hot honey if making from scratch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for hot honey if making from scratch
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar for hot honey if making from scratch

Equipment

• large skillet
• Oven
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• knife
• cutting board
• Meat Thermometer
• paper towels
• small saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Pour in hot honey and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in oregano.
7. Return chicken to skillet and spoon hot honey sauce over the top. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
8. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and feta is melted and slightly golden. Ensure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer. Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. Use high-quality feta for the best flavor. Feel free to add other toppings like chopped nuts or balsamic glaze. Broil for extra color at the end. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make hot honey, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a small saucepan and heat until combined. Let cool before using.