Introduction

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze and tangy crumbled feta cheese. This flavorful meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, offering a beautiful balance of textures and tastes.

The image shows three golden brown chicken cutlets arranged closely on a white plate. Each cutlet is coated in a crispy, crunchy breading with a textured surface. On top of the chicken, there are small white crumbles of cheese scattered unevenly. Bright green fresh herbs, likely chopped basil or parsley, are sprinkled over the cutlets. The cutlets sit in a thin layer of glossy, dark sauce that pools slightly around the edges. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
Step 2: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 4: Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken briefly from the oven. Drizzle hot honey generously over each breast and sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the feta to soften and the honey to bubble.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy and safe to eat.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to keep it moist.
Adjust hot honey quantity to match your preferred spice level.
For extra crunch, broil the chicken for one minute after the final bake.
Substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor; just increase baking time accordingly.
Try swapping feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different taste experience.
Infuse olive oil with herbs like thyme or oregano before seasoning for added freshness.
For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture. It’s best enjoyed warm but can be served cold over salads as well.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of golden brown fried chicken layered on a white plate, each piece covered with a shiny reddish-brown sauce, with small bits of white crumbly cheese sprinkled evenly on top. Fresh green herbs are scattered across the chicken, adding a touch of color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the texture of the fried chicken looks crispy and crunchy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy. Just keep in mind they may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the safe internal temperature.

What if I don’t have hot honey?

You can make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with a small amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. This creates a similar sweet and spicy flavor that works beautifully in the recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can season the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Just bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking to ensure even results.

What sides pair well with Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa for a balanced meal. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc also complements the flavors nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! You can prepare a batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal.