Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup hot honey or substitute with plain honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp salad When I make Hot Honey Feta Chicken, I love the balance of sweet and spicy. The chicken stays juicy, and the feta adds a creamy touch. The hot honey gives this dish its unique taste. You can use plain honey if you like it less spicy. Just mix in some cayenne pepper for a kick. The chicken breasts are the star here. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the hot honey glaze. The seasoning is simple. Olive oil helps the chicken sear well. Garlic and oregano bring depth. The lemon zest brightens up the dish and makes it vibrant. Finally, don’t skip the parsley. It adds freshness and color. You can also enjoy this meal with sides like roasted veggies or a crisp salad. This dish is fun to make and even better to eat! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and get a nice crust. You don’t need to grease your baking dish for this recipe. 2. Combine hot honey mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the hot honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This mix will add great flavor to your chicken. 1. Sear the chicken breasts: Grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps them sear better. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. 2. Coat with hot honey mixture and feta: After searing, lower the heat to medium. Pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is covered. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. This will melt slightly as it bakes, creating a delicious topping. 1. Bake the chicken in the oven: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. 2. Resting and garnishing the chicken: Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. You can also drizzle any leftover hot honey sauce from the skillet over the chicken for extra sweetness. How to achieve a perfect sear To get a great sear, start with dry chicken. Pat the breasts with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Place the chicken in the pan without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. This step locks in moisture and flavor. Adjusting spice level with honey If you love heat, use hot honey. For less spice, mix plain honey with a pinch of cayenne. Taste the honey mixture before pouring it over the chicken. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away. This way, you find the right balance for your taste. Best side dishes for Hot Honey Feta Chicken This chicken pairs well with roasted veggies. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. A crisp salad also works great. You can use mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. These sides bring freshness and color to your meal. Plating suggestions for presentation For a beautiful plate, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle with any leftover hot honey sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. Serve with your chosen sides around the chicken. This makes a stunning centerpiece for your dinner table. Proper storage methods for leftovers Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it if you won’t eat it soon. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. Reheating instructions to maintain flavor When reheating, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil to retain heat. Bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This way, you keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile. Consider using fresh oregano or basil as alternatives for a different twist. Let it Rest: After cooking, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish. Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot honey or cayenne pepper, according to your taste preference. Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness and enhance the overall meal experience. {{image_4}} You can swap feta cheese for other cheeses if needed. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese works too for a smooth texture. If you prefer a non-dairy option, use cashew cheese. For honey, you can use regular honey mixed with a little cayenne pepper. This gives you the sweet and spicy flavor without hot honey. Maple syrup is another fun swap if you want a different sweetness. You can change the herbs to switch up the flavor. Fresh thyme or basil can add a nice touch. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat. If you want a sweet twist, consider fruit-infused honey. Honey with a hint of peach or raspberry can brighten the dish. Adding citrus zest like orange can also give it a fresh flavor. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky taste. You can marinate the chicken in the hot honey mix before grilling for extra flavor. If you prefer using a skillet, searing the chicken first makes for a great crust. You can then finish cooking it in the oven. Each method offers unique flavors and textures, so you can choose based on your mood! Hot honey blends sweet and spicy flavors. It pairs well with savory dishes. You can drizzle it on chicken, pizza, or even cheese. It adds a unique kick to any meal. You can make your own by mixing honey with cayenne pepper. This gives you control over the heat level. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, pat the chicken dry. Then season and cook as usual. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. Look for clear juices running when you cut into it. The meat should not be pink inside. If unsure, cook it a bit longer to be safe. Each serving of Hot Honey Feta Chicken has about 350 calories. This makes it a good choice for a filling meal without going overboard on calories. - Protein: 40 grams - Fat: 16 grams - Carbohydrates: 10 grams The high protein content comes from the chicken and feta. The healthy fats mostly come from olive oil and feta cheese. This dish offers great nutritional value. Chicken is a lean protein that helps build muscle. Feta cheese adds calcium, supporting strong bones. Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. Hot honey gives a unique flavor and may boost your mood. Lemon zest adds vitamin C for an extra health kick. Overall, this meal is tasty and nutritious! In this blog post, we explored the delicious recipe for Hot Honey Feta Chicken. We covered the main ingredients like chicken breasts, feta, and hot honey, along with essential seasonings. You learned how to prepare, cook, and bake the chicken, plus tips for serving and storage. Hot honey adds a sweet kick, while feta gives creaminess. Feel free to make variations with different cheeses or cooking methods. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor this tasty dish!$

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

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
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 piece lemon zest
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the hot honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended, then set aside.
Using a paper towel, gently pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture. Evenly season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkling of lemon zest for added brightness.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms.
After searing, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour the prepared hot honey mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the sweet, spicy glaze.
Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese atop the chicken, allowing it to meld with the sweet and spicy flavors.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before serving.
Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, feta, honey, spicy