This Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken combines tender chicken with creamy feta and a touch of sweet heat from honey. It’s simple to make and totally delicious!
I love how the sweet honey pairs perfectly with the salty feta. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this tasty combo! Can’t wait for you to try it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe since they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too. Just remember to adjust cooking times.
Hot Honey: I love using hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick. If you can’t find it, regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper is a perfect substitute. You can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Feta Cheese: Feta brings great creaminess and saltiness to this dish. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese is a nice alternative, though it’s a bit tangier. Queso fresco can also work if you’re in a pinch.
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but I enjoy the depth of flavor it adds. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a dash of chili powder can substitute. It just depends on how smoky you want the dish to be!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but a few key steps help. Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices and flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet on medium-high, using enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until you see a golden crust. Don’t rush this step!
- After searing, lower the heat, add garlic, and let that flavor infuse for just a minute.
- Finally, baking ensures the chicken cooks evenly, aim for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
Using a meat thermometer truly helps take the guesswork out! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then another 20-25 minutes for cooking in total. So, in less than an hour, you can enjoy a fantastic homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get things nice and hot for baking the chicken later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This will help to add flavor from the very start!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts carefully. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This gives the chicken awesome flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for about 1 additional minute. This will make your kitchen smell incredible!
5. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Now, drizzle that hot honey (or your honey-cayenne mix) evenly over the chicken breasts. This sweet and spicy combo adds a nice kick!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for around 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (you’ll want an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). It’s a good idea to check it to ensure it’s cooked through.
7. Add Feta:
Once you take it out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken. The cheese will start to melt, creating a delicious creamy topping.
8. Squeeze Some Lemon:
Finish it off with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice over the chicken. This brightens up the dish beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. This goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken! It’s sure to impress your family or guests! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can easily make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to achieve your desired heat level. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and garlic mixture beforehand, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just add the honey, bake, and top with feta for a quick dinner solution!
