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This crispy hot honey feta chicken creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. The melted feta adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sticky hot honey glaze while the juicy chicken stays perfectly tender inside with a golden exterior.
I first made this hot honey feta chicken when looking for a way to elevate ordinary chicken breasts into something special. After my family literally scraped their plates clean, it became our go-to for both casual family dinners and when guests come over.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Select evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
- Olive oil: Helps seasonings adhere and promotes browning
- Garlic powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning like fresh garlic
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish
- Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and depth
- Crumbled feta cheese: Use good quality Greek feta for the best tangy flavor
- Hot honey: Creates the perfect sweet heat glaze look for quality brands like Mike's Hot Honey
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and a fresh note
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the chicken to finish cooking while allowing the feta to melt without burning. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Season The Chicken:
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil then thoroughly coat both sides with garlic powder paprika salt and pepper. Take time to ensure even coverage pressing the seasonings gently into the meat to help them adhere.
- Sear For Flavor:
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan allowing them to cook undisturbed for 3 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Flip once and repeat on the second side. This step creates a flavor sealed exterior that helps lock in moisture.
- Transfer And Bake:
- Move the seared chicken to your prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 20 minutes checking occasionally. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety while remaining juicy inside.
- Add The Magic Toppings:
- Remove the chicken from the oven but keep it hot. Drizzle each piece generously with hot honey ensuring good coverage then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over each chicken breast. The contrast between the spicy sweet honey and tangy feta creates the signature flavor of this dish.
- Final Bake:
- Return the chicken to the oven for about 5 minutes until the feta begins to soften and the honey bubbles slightly around the edges. Watch carefully as the honey can darken quickly.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 3 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while still hot.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the hot honey bubble and caramelize slightly around the edges of the chicken. Something magical happens when the sweet heat of the honey meets the salty tanginess of the feta, creating a sauce that's worth mopping up with every last bite of chicken.
Customizing Your Hot Honey
Store bought hot honey works perfectly, but making your own is surprisingly simple. Simply warm 1/2 cup of good quality honey with 1 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference) in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. Strain if desired, though I prefer keeping the flakes for extra heat and visual appeal. Homemade hot honey keeps refrigerated for several weeks and can be used on everything from pizza to cheese boards.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy hot honey feta chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that won't compete with its bold flavors. I love serving it with lemon garlic roasted asparagus or a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a more substantial meal, try it alongside orzo tossed with olive oil and herbs or garlic mashed potatoes that can soak up the delicious honey feta sauce.
Make Ahead And Storage Tips
This chicken reheats surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep. To make ahead, you can season and sear the chicken up to a day in advance, then refrigerate. Complete the baking and topping steps just before serving. Leftover chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes, to maintain the crispy exterior.
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This recipe creates a restaurant-worthy dish in your very own kitchen with minimal effort. The bold, contrasting flavors make this a standout that your family will request again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is hot honey, and how is it used?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, offering a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. In this dish, it's drizzled over the chicken to create a flavorful glaze that enhances the overall taste.
- → Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta can be used as a substitute for feta, though the tangy flavor of feta complements the dish best.
- → How can I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing from the oven.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness in this dish?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot honey to match your preferred spice level, or try using a milder honey with just a touch of chili.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent accompaniments to this hot honey chicken.