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Hot Honey Feta Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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