Hot Honey Feta Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup hot honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped In this dish, the main ingredients shine. The chicken breasts provide a great base that holds flavor well. The feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy taste. Hot honey brings a sweet heat that makes the dish exciting. For the marinade, the olive oil helps blend the flavors. Garlic gives a savory punch. Smoked paprika adds depth with its warm, smoky notes. Dried oregano brings a fresh, herbal taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making them pop. Finally, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish. This simple mix of ingredients leads to a dish that looks and tastes great. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together these items: - 1/4 cup hot honey - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Mix until well combined. This creates a tasty marinade that adds layers of flavor. Next, take the chicken breasts and place them into a large ziplock bag or a shallow bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Now it's time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over each piece. For an added kick, drizzle a little extra hot honey over the feta. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s done when the feta cheese is golden and bubbly. After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy and tender. To get the best flavor, let your chicken marinate longer. I suggest at least 30 minutes. If you can, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend and soak in. This makes each bite more tasty. To know if your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and still juicy. No one likes dry chicken! When serving, drizzle any leftover hot honey on top. It adds a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on the chicken for a pop of color. This makes your dish look great and adds a fresh taste. Pro Tips Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours for maximum taste. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a refreshing side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the feta and honey. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. {{image_4}} You can switch the feta cheese for goat cheese or mozzarella. Goat cheese adds a tangy taste. Mozzarella gives a creamy and mild flavor. Both options make the dish unique and fun. You can change the heat level to fit your taste. Add more chili flakes to the hot honey for extra spice. If you prefer less heat, use a milder honey instead. This way, you can enjoy the dish just how you like it. Pair the Hot Honey Feta Chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Roasted veggies add a nice crunch and flavor. A salad brings freshness and lightness to the meal. Together, they make a complete and satisfying dinner. Keep your Hot Honey Feta Chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. This makes it easy for lunches or quick dinners. Just remember to let it cool before sealing. For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warm. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, the flavors will still shine when you bake it. Yes, chicken thighs will also work well for this recipe. Thighs have more fat, giving them a richer taste. They stay juicy and tender, which makes them great for baking. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to swap them in. Just ensure they are cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety. The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of hot honey used. If you like it mild, use less hot honey. For more heat, add extra hot honey or chili flakes. This dish can be tailored to your taste. Experiment to find the right balance that you enjoy. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a variety of vegetables. Consider serving it with roasted broccoli or a fresh salad. The sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken complement many sides. You can also add a grain like couscous for a hearty meal. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful dish. You learned how to marinate chicken, bake it, and ensure perfect flavor. Use feta cheese and hot honey to elevate the taste. Remember, adjusting the spice lets you customize each meal. Try different cheeses or sides to keep things fresh. Enjoy the leftovers by storing them correctly. With these tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying Hot Honey Feta Chicken. Happy cooking!$

A deliciously spicy and sweet chicken dish topped with crumbled feta cheese.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.25 cup hot honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the hot honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
Place the chicken breasts into a large ziplock bag or a shallow bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the bowl, then refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Take a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over each piece.
For an extra hint of sweetness and heat, drizzle some additional hot honey over the feta cheese.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta cheese turns golden.
Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
Before serving, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For an impressive presentation, serve on a stylish platter with extra hot honey and parsley.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, feta, hot honey