Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that elevate simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. The spicy honey marinade paired with creamy feta cheese creates a perfect balance that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well blended.
2. Step 2: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or more honey for additional sweetness.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and set aside.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. For extra color, broil for the last 2–3 minutes if desired.
9. Step 9: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices.
10. Step 10: Prepare a serving platter with greens or roasted vegetables and slice the lemon into wedges.
11. Step 11: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
• Try swapping red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
• Serve with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture and milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover hot honey feta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating more than once.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Adjust baking time slightly, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Is the recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust the spice to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy baked chicken dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy saltiness of feta cheese, balanced by a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Marinated in a zesty mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano, the chicken is baked until juicy and topped with a bubbly, golden feta cheese crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Feta Topping and Garnish

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil (a drizzle for feta mixture)
• Pinch of salt and black pepper (for feta mixture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the marinade and tweak the seasoning if necessary, adding more red pepper flakes for extra heat or more honey for sweetness according to your preference.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
5. Prepare Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, gently combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set this mixture aside to use as a topping later.
6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you remove chicken from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off and discard it.
7. Arrange Chicken for Baking: Place the marinated chicken breasts into a baking dish, spaced evenly.
8. Add Feta Topping: Spoon the prepared feta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is well covered.
9. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, optionally broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
10. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute for optimal juiciness.
11. Prepare to Serve: Arrange a platter with fresh greens or roasted vegetables. Slice the lemon into wedges to serve alongside the chicken for added brightness.
12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly crumbled feta for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Broiling at the end helps achieve a nicely browned feta topping without overcooking the chicken.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: Hot Honey Feta Chicken, Baked Chicken Recipe, Mediterranean Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Feta Topped Chicken