Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of flavors. The crispy chicken, paired with the sweet and spicy hot honey, creates a mouthwatering dish. The creamy feta adds a rich, tangy twist that takes this meal to the next level. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and ready in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a dinner party. Plus, it’s versatile—whether I make it with chicken breasts or thighs, it always turns out delicious!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, drizzle hot honey over the chicken and top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Place the chicken back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the honey is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spice Level: I can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the hot honey. For an extra kick, I sometimes add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Alternatives: If I’m in the mood for something different, goat cheese or blue cheese can be a great substitute for feta.
- Baking Only Option: For a lighter option, I skip the searing and bake the chicken directly.
- Substitute Protein: I enjoy using chicken thighs for a juicier alternative to breasts, but feel free to use whatever chicken cut you prefer.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, I like to place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Freezing: If I want to freeze this dish, I freeze the cooked chicken without the honey and feta for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it and then add the toppings before reheating.
FAQs
How can I make hot honey at home?
I make hot honey by combining 1/3 cup of honey with 1 1/2 teaspoons of hot sauce and a pinch of chili flakes. I warm the mixture slightly to infuse the flavors, and it’s good to go!
Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes! Store-bought hot honey works perfectly and saves time. I just make sure to choose a brand that has the right balance of sweetness and heat.
What sides pair well with this dish?
I love serving this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad. The sweetness of the honey pairs nicely with these sides.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
I like to prep the chicken ahead by seasoning and searing it. Then, I store it in the fridge and finish the baking and topping process when ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. I store the chicken separately from the hot honey and feta. When it’s time to eat, I just reheat the chicken and add the toppings.
Conclusion
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory that is sure to satisfy. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. I find myself making it regularly, and it’s always a hit!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy hot honey, topped with tangy feta cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, drizzle hot honey over the chicken and top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Place the chicken back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the honey is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the hot honey or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese or blue cheese can be substituted for feta for a different flavor.
- Baking Only Option: Skip the searing and bake the chicken directly for a lighter option.
- Substitute Protein: Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative to breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg