This Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken features juicy chicken topped with creamy feta and a sweet spicy honey drizzle. It’s the perfect mix of flavors that you’ll love!
Honestly, the sweet and spicy touch of hot honey makes my taste buds do a happy dance! I like serving it with rice or a simple salad—great for a weeknight treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. You can use thighs for a juicier alternative or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a nice tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using cashew cheese or marinated tofu crumbled up!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. You can swap it with agave syrup, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you’re aiming for lower sugar.
Hot Sauce: This brings the heat! Adjust based on your spice level. Sriracha or chili garlic sauce can work well here if you don’t have hot sauce available.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting juicy chicken is all about the cooking process. Start by searing it for a nice golden color, which adds flavor. Then, when you bake it, be careful not to overcook.
- Season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This helps enhance the flavor.
- When searing, keep the heat high enough to brown but not so high that it burns the outside before cooking inside.
- Always check with a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is your goal. This way, the chicken remains moist and not dry.
Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making it an overall quick and satisfying meal that you can enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly when we put it in later.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This will give the chicken a nice flavor base as it cooks.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You want them to be beautifully browned but not cooked all the way through yet.
4. Make the Honey Mixture:
While the chicken is searing, take a small bowl and mix together the honey, hot sauce, optional red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and lemon juice. This mixture will add a sweet and spicy flavor to your chicken.
5. Add the Hot Honey Mixture:
Once the chicken has seared, carefully take the skillet off the heat. Spoon the hot honey mixture evenly over each chicken breast. The flavors of the garlic, honey, and spice will soak into the chicken beautifully.
6. Top with Feta:
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of each chicken breast. It will add a creamy texture and delicious saltiness!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the feta is slightly melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, garnish your chicken with fresh parsley or oregano if you’d like. Serve hot, drizzled with any juices left in the pan. Enjoy every bite of your Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken!
Dig in and relish the blend of flavors—it’s sure to please your taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a kick, try increasing the amount of hot sauce you use, or add more red pepper flakes to the honey mixture. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy garnish!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prepare the chicken and the honey mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before cooking!
What Should I Serve with Hot Honey Feta Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad to balance out the rich flavors. Roasted vegetables or crusty bread also make fantastic sides!
