This Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty delight! Marinated chicken is baked with creamy feta cheese and a drizzle of sweet and spicy honey. Perfect for any dinner!
I love that it comes together quickly, and the smell while it’s cooking is just heavenly. You might find yourself sneaking bites of that feta! It’s just that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish due to their quick cooking and tender texture. If you’re looking for a change, thighs work well too—they’re juicier and add more flavor!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a unique tang. If you can’t find feta, try using goat cheese for a similar creaminess or even ricotta mixed with a bit of salt for a milder option.
Hot Honey: This is key for a sweet and spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, mix regular honey with a small amount of chili flakes or sriracha to bring that heat!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for searing the chicken. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil works well too and has a high smoke point.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Seared Chicken?
Getting that golden crust on your chicken is easy and really enhances the flavor! Here’s how:
- Start with a dry chicken breast to help it sear better. Use paper towels to pat it dry.
- Make sure your skillet is hot but not smoking when you add the olive oil. This helps create that nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and searing.
- Once you put the chicken in, resist the urge to move it around! Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side.
With this method, you’ll have beautifully seared chicken to impress anyone at your dinner table!
How to Make Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (honey infused with chili or a spicy honey sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in just around 30 minutes, you can have a delightful and savory meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken. This helps the chicken cook evenly and develop a lovely texture.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them to sear better. Then, season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in all the wonderful flavors!
4. Add Garlic and Feta:
After searing the chicken, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken breasts, and then crumble the feta cheese over the top. The feta will melt slightly as it cooks, adding creaminess to the dish.
5. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Now it’s time for the hot honey! Drizzle 3 tablespoons of hot honey generously over the feta and chicken. This will give your dish a delightful sweet and spicy kick!
6. Lemon Zest and Juice:
Add a sprinkle of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice over everything. This adds freshness and brightness to balance out the rich flavors.
7. Bake:
Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
8. Rest and Garnish:
When the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or oregano for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken warm, served with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, salad, or rice. This dish is perfect for any night of the week!
Dig in and enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory notes in this comforting chicken dish!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts with Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute as they are juicier and have more flavor. Just keep in mind they might need an extra few minutes of cooking time, so check for doneness with a thermometer.
What Can I Use Instead of Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular honey with a teaspoon of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha. Adjust to your spice preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of lemon juice to freshen up the flavors!
What Sides Pair Well With This Dish?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides! Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, couscous, or rice are great choices. The creamy feta and hot honey sauce are perfect for soaking up those flavors!
